I'm looking to swap a diesel drivetrain into my '65 f-350. What rear axles can take the torque and power from a diesel, but still have highway gears? I'm looking for a single-rear-wheel type axle that is 3.55 or 3.79 for a ratio, (although 3.79 is preferred) and is pos or limited-slip...what axles do i have to choose from? my dads got a 03 f-350 with the diesel, 379 limied-slip, and signle rear wheels, what kind of axle does he have? any help at all is highly appreciated

 

either a dana 60 or a sterling 10.25 full floating rear will work fine.

 

what donor truck do you think i'd have the best chance at finding a dana 60 in? better yet, having Single rear wheels and a 3.79 ratio?

 

i just noticed you have a F350. that should already have a dana 60 in it

 

well heres the problem, its stock, and it has a dana 70, with either 4.10 or 4.56 ratios...

the reason i want to swap this axle out isbecause it has a 6 lug hub, which the guyswho have these trucks are havg the same problem as me, we have no sources for wheels. the stock wheels are split rims and nobody will touch them, and besides, finding a 6 lug wheel with a 7.25" bolt pattern and a 5.5" hub hole is tough...i've been looking for 3 years now...nothing, the only source i found id stockowheel in california...but i'd rather go with 8 lugs and not worryut never finding rims again...and also get a more highway-friendly gear ratio...
SO...knowing that..would you recommend getting a different axle, or attempting to rebuild the axle i have now, keeping in mind that it is dually and the hub is seperate from the axle shaft...is it possible to swap out the hubs? if thats possible, then i would swap out the hubs, then rebuild the rear end to get a 3.79 ratio in there...does this sound like it will fit into a 16 year old kids budget?

 

Your dad has a sterling 10.5" axle in the rear.

I would ditch your axles if you're having the problems you say. Any junkyard will have a good rear axle for you. A Dana 60/61/70 or even a sterling axle out of a later truck will work for you. I wouldn't pay much for it, unless it's been recently overhauled. They are plentiful.

 

a few years ago i got a transfer case from a guy outside of Boston. i think his E-Bay business name was Paul's ford bard, or Paul's bronco barn or something like that. basically he buys older ford trucks, and cuts them for parts if he can't sell them whole. i will look this afternoon to see if i can find his phone number.

 

Thanks a ton guys, i like to keep my options open, and with your help i can have all possible options laid out for me, you guys are awesome

 

i looked all over, but cant find the card for pauls.
from what i remember, he is about 30 miles south west of boston.

 

i found the card for Paul's. he is in Spencer ma.
shop # is 508-885-7205.
home # is 508-892-4156
e-mail is paulsfordbarn@charter.net