My front end is making some funky noises and i know my ball joints are shot. every piece if rubber i look at is falling apart. i dont know the cost to have the whole front end rebuilt but i would assume ~1k
i havent searched too hard for a d60 f350 front axle but is it worth swapping it to a straight axle? i havent had any problems with my front axle until now, 4x4 works awesome the only problem is i dont think its ever been loved( ive had the truck about a year)

 

Are you talking about noises inside the diff or steering and suspension noises? Makes a big difference. First thing is to figure out what's wrong with it and get an estimate to repair. D60's are normally going for around a grand, if you can find one, plus it could need some parts.

 

steering and suspension. ill get an estimate Tuesday(i work 7a-730p so no can do until then)
what are the performance upgrades acquired by doing the d60 swap?

 

Shorter/tighter steering radius is commonly reported as a bonus of a D60.

Not being embarrassed of your front wheels after you reversed into a parking spot.

I noticed a more compliant (not so much as a softer ride, just more wheel travel) front end but my TTB springs hand sagged to less than an inch to the bump stops. New front springs should be considered as part of the rebuild.

Nearly everything you would replace on the TTB for a total rebuild would be things you would likely replace on the donor D60.

Wheel/spindle/hub bearings and seals. Ball joints. Leaf spring and shackle bushings. All tie rod pieces. Axle shaft U joints. Drive shaft U joints. Brake pads, calipers, lines and shocks are sorta optional.

The sticklers will say to not reuse U bolts.

There are a few things you must collect if/when you source a donor D60, but there are plenty of threads to help with the shopping list.

All of the tie rod steering pieces are different between the TTB and D60. But cost about the same to replace.

But for a very few items, like the existing front shackles, nearly everything that would be rebuilt on a TTB can be rebuilt prior to swapping in a D60. A person could collect a spare set and have them reworked too.

The major steps in a D60 swap are:

1. Determining your full suspension plan. (Amount of lift, ride firmness, etc)
2. Collect all of the needed parts and pre-install nearly all of it prior to the swap.
3. Pre repair, replace and assemble all of the pieces prior to the swap.
4. Lifting the front of the truck securely as you will be removing/adding a bunch of weight and pushing/pulling some wrenches really hard.
5. Removing the TTB.
5.5 Installing the D60.

A minor wrinkle is that this is a great time to do a RSK...just saying you may want to explore.

But, I'll bet there are far more TTB owners than there are D60 swappers. Rebuilding what you have is more popular than the D60 swap...just that few brag about it.

 

there are currently 2 kingpin D60's listed on craigs list here in jersey, one for $750 and a dually D60 for $600

 

3.55 by any chance tom?
thanks for all the good info Leo, i absolutely want better turning radius... when i go to make a u turn where i should have plenty of room and end up having to back up/jump the curb its just embarrassing!
550

 

only one with 3.55 gears, all the rest are 4.10

Dana 60 king pin srw high pinion

 

the one you posted isnt working, i went on craigslist and on there it isnt working either. but im browsing around you now so we will see what i come across.
716

 

he must have sold it and removed the post yesterday

 

found someone selling a 3.55 d60 for $100.00 but he hasnt returned calls or texts...