I am really not sure what mine is, I know it has 35 spline shafts in it, the typical 10 bolt Dana style cover, and it has 70 cast in the top and on one of the side ears of the housing. Maybe I have a morphadite... who knows?

 

You can quickly tell the difference from a D60 vs D70 by looking at the axle tubes where the backing plates bolt on. D70's are straight and D60's taper to a smaller diameter.

 

The Dana 60 (and 70-rear) axle ID Tag is bolted on the right (front) or left (rear) axle tube with two bolts.

The tag is 2" x 1/2" long and is just adjacent to the inspection cover.

The Dana ID code number will be 7 digits long, and read something like this: 603101-S.

Once the axle code is deciphered, the type (60 or 70), ratio, whether it has LS or not and what was its original application will known.

Find the code = post it, I'll give you the info.

 

I couldn't find the ID tag... must have rotted away. On the front corner of the center chunk where the DS axle tube goes in there is a 70-1U cast into it also there is a 70 cast into the top of the housing. I haven't had a chance to check the door tag yet. Last time I had the rear end apart I counted 35 splines on the axle shafts.

 

It's a Dana 70 then.

 

My '84 F-250 has been through three axles since I bought it. Originally it had the semi floater which suffered worn axle shafts and leaking seals, so I scrapped it and swapped in a Dana 70 from a truck of the same year. That served me well for several years until the bearings started getting noisy. After disassembly I found carrier bearing races had spun in the axle housing and wore the housing out, so I swapped in a Sterling and haven't had any problems since.

 

I looked up the axle code on the door tag this evening and it listed as a code number 72. I checked in my Chilton's manual, and it gave me the listing of the ratio (4.10) which I already knew. I am trying to find out which Dana 70 I have, so I can order a locker for it. I know it has 35 spline full floating shafts, 4.10 gears, and it has the one-piece carrier (2 spider gears as apposed to a 4 spider two-piece carrier) I was speculating it's a 70U, but that doesn't seem right because every 70U I look up calls for 32 spline axles... like I mentioned mine has 35 spline axles. The axle seems to be in great shape, the truck is low mileage for an 84 (just under 122k miles on the clock) no howling or clunking... it just sucks because it's a one-wheel wonder. Any suggestions? Thanx
John

 

Does anyone know which Dana 70 I have?

 

From the 72 axle code you posted:

Dana 70U / 4.10-1 / non Limited Slip / 6300 lb. Rear Axle Capacity / Rear Axle Parts List #176.

Parts list #176 shows 2 different right and 2 different left axleshafts, it depends on the rear axle ID tag.

I have all the specs of the axleshafts if you need them. ALL are 35 spline.

Info source: 1980/89 Ford Light Truck Parts Catalog / Rear Axle Decode Chart: Section 40; Page 8 / Rear Axle Application Chart: Section 40; Page 10 = Parts List #176.

 

Thanks N.D. That helps a ton, now I can start shopping around for a locker for it. I am torn if I should go with just a Lockrite (lunchbox type) or go with a full on Detroit Locker. This truck is mainly used for snow plowing and trailer towing, with occasional off road use. I do not plan on going to a tire much taller than stock. I cannot stand having an open rear differential, especially when plowing.

 

If you're just using the truck for towing and plowing, get a selectable locker. If you're towing a trailer in snow and hit a patch of ice and have a locker, it will throw you around and cause the truck and trailer to jack-knife right there.

Driving a locker equipped vehicle on ice is scary enough, but with a trailer pushing you, it can be downright murder on the ol' nerves. At least with a selectable unit, you can engage and disengage it whenever you want.

 

Question to 8 Lugs: I have an IFS 50 Ford front end and I want to change the universal joints on the front axles. I need to know if I can pull the axles out through the steering knuckle or is there axle clips inside the case?

 

No clips on any ft axles I've done (probably 1 per week for 20 years)

 

Thanks very much Bashby. Your help is much appreciated. This will save me much time.

 

i have a 81 ford f250 is the twin i beam front any good or should i change to the dana 60 i have and what transfer case did they stock