Front axle from '79
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 382
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From: Milford, CT
Front axle from '79
Does anyone know if a Dana 60 (front) from a 78-79 F-350 will bolt up under our trucks? My front end needs a going over and there's a cheep solid axle available locally. I know what's needed for a same gen swap(springs, steering, etc.), but this is ~3 generations off. Has anybody done it? Truck's in my sig.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 4,197
Likes: 558
From: Central Wisconsin
What you're talking about is a SAS (straight axle swap). there are a ton of threads on them and they are fairly simple. its going to require a little fabrication and know-how, but its not too bad. just use the search function and see what you get. but yeah, its possible.
I just put a dana 44 hd in the front of my F250 for the same reason you want to put that D60 in yours. haha.
I just put a dana 44 hd in the front of my F250 for the same reason you want to put that D60 in yours. haha.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 232
Likes: 2
The 78-79 axle would be more work than necessary to get under a '93. The spring pad width is different on the 78-79 vs. all later Dana 60's. There is about a 4" difference in width. You'd be better to find a later axle, it will be more of a bolt in. If you were in CA or close by, I have a Dana 60 front axle from a 93 that I would trade you straight across for that 78-79 axle.
After 91 the steering knuckle connection changed as well. Early ones were kingpin at the knuckle, Later ones are ball joint.
After 91 the steering knuckle connection changed as well. Early ones were kingpin at the knuckle, Later ones are ball joint.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Milford, CT
Thanks for the responses. Mattt181, that's exactly what I needed to know. Unfortunately, I'm in CT or I would take you up on that offer. Do you know if the spring perch is the only difference, or were there a few other differences?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2011
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The differences that I know of are the spring perches are 4" closer on the early Dana 60, the steering knuckle to inner C difference{kingpin vs. ball joint}, and the locking hubs are different{not a big deal}. With how the early axle is laid out, the diff is more in the center of the axle, whereas on the later axle, the diff is offset to the drivers side. There is almost no axle tube between the diff and the inner C on the drivers side.
Is your truck currently TTB50?
I had a trans shipped to me from Texas with forwardair.com and it was reasonable. But, that fit on a pallet fairly well, a Dana 60 is a different animal. With forwardair there is no home delivery, it goes from terminal to terminal and you have to pick it up at their terminal that is closest to you. Mine is about 30 minutes away.
Is your truck currently TTB50?
I had a trans shipped to me from Texas with forwardair.com and it was reasonable. But, that fit on a pallet fairly well, a Dana 60 is a different animal. With forwardair there is no home delivery, it goes from terminal to terminal and you have to pick it up at their terminal that is closest to you. Mine is about 30 minutes away.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Milford, CT
I think I'll call up some of the local yards, thanks for the info. I am TTB50, and it needs some love. Figure if I'm gonna be in there, a SAS would be an option. I like the performance of the TTB, but the springs are starting to sag too and the SAS might save me a bit of cash and decrease downtime.
Closest forwardair is ~2hrs from me.
Closest forwardair is ~2hrs from me.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,364
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From: starship enterprise
I think (not sure but i could measure one of my many 79 frt 60s) That the 79 is a narrower axle as well. It would require wheel spacers as well if they are. I also know the steering is a lot different. The brakes are considerably upgraded on a later axle from the 79 as well. I would trade you a 93 frt end for that 79 60 as well but I am in CO, not much better than CA. I wouldn't recommend that swap. I would be afraid of drive line angle, if it would even work, steering mods, and I was told that the f250 has a cross member that is maybe in the way, Keep looking, and if need be, I can get you the right axle. You pay freight and we could deal.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Durham, CA
Mike, those 78/79 Ford front kingpin 60s bring a pretty penny in the 4x4 community! They're great heavy duty axles. If you find that it won't work for you I'd post up in the classifieds here as well as Pirate4x4.com. As far as trades go, you could probably trade that axle you've got for a later model that'll be a more direct bolt-in for you PLUS enough cash on top to pay for the odds and ends you'd need to mount it! Guys building rock crawlers and serious 4x4s drool over those late 70s kingpin 60s...
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,507
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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
as per Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market ,
Webster's Used Auto Parts USA-CT(Terryville) 1-800-692-1231
lists a D-60 for $650, and
Coutu Truck Country USA-CT(Willimantic) 1-800-852-6004
lists one for $550
these are with 4:10 gear ratio
Terryville Auto Parts USA-CT(Terryville) 1-800-834-5890
has one with 3:54 gears and 213k miles on it for $225
Webster's Used Auto Parts USA-CT(Terryville) 1-800-692-1231
lists a D-60 for $650, and
Coutu Truck Country USA-CT(Willimantic) 1-800-852-6004
lists one for $550
these are with 4:10 gear ratio
Terryville Auto Parts USA-CT(Terryville) 1-800-834-5890
has one with 3:54 gears and 213k miles on it for $225
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 4,197
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From: Central Wisconsin
Apparently you guys haven't ever fabricated on your trucks. The axle will work just fine. You can cut the spring perches off and reweld them on where they need to be. The driveline angle wont be any bigger of an issue than the current one is. The crossmember that I think is being referred to is the one beneath the motor. If youre putting a D60 in, i would suggest 1 ton springs from the same year truck you have by the way, and level the back out accordingly. that crossmember can get notched so a drag link wouldnt hit. putting in a Dana 60 from a 79 is more than do-able. Youre going to have to make some Tie-Rods also. it sounds like a lot, but its just a bunch of tedious things.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,364
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From: starship enterprise
I knew the correct 60 would be a direct bolt in. I was afraid that since the pumkin was closer to the center so that the drive shaft would be on more of a angle. that was my concern. If it works, then good luck.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 146
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From: Mocksville, NC
There is no moving the drivers side spring perch--it is part of the casting for the center pumpkin. That is why the pumpkin moved towards the drivers side when the frame width got larger--they had to move it to move the spring perch. Only way to do it would be to shorten the axle tube on the drivers side and lengthen the one on the passenger side. Definitely not worth that effort--find one from an 85-97 model F350 and it will bolt right in. As already mentioned, the 91 and earlier ones are better since they have kingpins, but the newer ball joint ones are still far superior to the TTB setup in your truck now.
