Gents, pretty excited here. Currently have a 78 F250 with 7300# GVWR and have been looking for a good deal on a front D60 (currently have D44HD). A guy that works for me during overhauls told me that he has an old 78 F250 he is looking to get rid of. Been sitting for years. Tried to give it to his son, son wasn't interested in working on cars (sad). Musta killed him inside, he's a BIG gearhead just like me.

Developed a real strong relationship with him and I think he kinda views this as an opportunity to give it to someone like his son (I am the same age as his son). Anyways, told me he would GIVE it to me if I helped him get it to my possession. I love the truck I have now, but I've always wanted a front D60. So I asked him if he knows. He doesn't. I proceeded to ask some other questions:

Is it a snofighter? - Doesn't know
Are the hubs like 4" in diameter? - Doesn't know
Is the front diff the same size as the rear? - Doesn't know

At this point, I'm at a loss. Truck is like 100 miles from him, like 350 miles from me. I just about called it quits. Dude called me the other day and asked if I was still interested. Told him I really just wanted the front axle, as long as it is a 60. Then he said it:

"Well, what I do know is it has the 8800# spring package..."

SOOO, what are the chances that is an HP60 sitting under there????

 

Is it king pin or ball joint? (king pin D60)

Does it have 1/2" or 9/16" cover bolts? (9/16" D60)

How do the hubs measure out? (4 1/8" D60)

 

Like I said, truck isn't near either of us. I asked the dude about the hubs and he didn't know. Don't know about the cover bolts either. I know I'm not giving a lot to go on here but I guess the question I am really asking is:

Is there any correlation between GVWR and front D60's? More specifically, does having an 8800# GVWR mean for sure it has a front D60? Or make it more likely? Are there a lot of 8800# GVWR HD44's running around? Seems that it would make it more likely but you guys are the experts...

My searches on the 'net haven't given me much to go on. Just wondering if anybody knew...

 

Likely yes, a guarantee no.

 

350 miles for a free truck? Are you crazy? Go get it!

 

Good to hear. Hopefully my luck pans out. Guess I'll just have to wait and see. I guess the upshot is that the truck runs. It could be a nice backup truck, lol. For taking to the dump and so on. A work truck.

Just thinking I want a D60 front because the 78 I'm restoring is getting a 4" lift and 37's. I know the HD44 is a good axle, which is why it will find a nice home underneath the 78 I am getting for free, lol!

So, let's say for a minute that it IS a D60 I'll be getting. Anything I will need to look out for when swapping? Lugs the same thread? Pinion yoke same size? Just wanna know what to look out for.

 

Lol, you raise an excellent point. Especially for one of these older F250's. Think is bulletproof! I remember being spoiled having one as my first car. I got almost to age 20 before realizing that vehicles actually break if you abuse them lol. Sure it had stuff give me trouble here and there, like a coil or a belt, but nothing major ever broke. Can't say the same for my second car. That's why I kept it and am restoring it. I'm about $40k into it right now.

I will go get it and have it as a backup. Thanks for putting it into perspective!!!

 

If it is a 60 that's worth 1K alone (give or take) so grab it if the price is right.

 

I think the front drive shaft will need to be shortened.

What is the difference between a 44HD and a regular 44?

 

The 44HD is 8-lug and has larger axle tubes. I believe. Uses the dual piston calipers. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

About the front DS, I think you're right. My slip joint is already almost totally collapsed as it sit. Course, that is with BADLY sagging front springs. Maybe the D60 swap will be offset by the lift and I can leave the DS alone. Fingers crossed!

 

Exactly. I know what that axle is worth if it is. Then you got a 400 that runs, C6 (its an auto), and the world's most bulletproof x-fer case. For the low low price of gas to go get it, it is definitely worth it!

 

just swap the driveshaft off the donor truck. as long as you are going married to married it should be fine. I'd drive 350 miles for a free truck in decent shape.

 

Duh! Good point, didn't even think of that.

I hate to call it a donor truck after what this guy told me about it. He told me that when his son turned 16, he gave it to him in an effort to get him started on working on vehicles. Unfortunately, as the story goes, he was more interested in video games then trucks. It has been sitting in a field for like the last 4 years. Probably not in the greatest shape, but he says it still runs.

 

I don't know about that gvwr of 8800 ? I'm looking at a title for the last truck I cut up and it was a '79 f-350 4x4 with a F3 beginning vin and the gvwr is 8550 on the title, so I don't know how any other Low Boy 3/4 ton 4x4 could have a higher rating. I'd ask them to check on that again.

 

Go get it then. Lol. Even if it don't have a 60, it's stil got a lot of parts u could use. All it would cost you is 150 in gas, can't beat that.