Axle Swap
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Gilbert, Arizona
Axle Swap
I did the same thing on my truck. I say go for it, but be prepared to spend some $$$. Make sure the Dana 60 you're getting is complete with steering linkage, track bar, and mounting brackets. Dana 60 and IFS use the same spring setup, so it's pretty much a bolt-on if you have all the pieces.
You'll have to shorten your driveshaft about an inch because of the larger diff housing on the Dana 60. I also had some braking problems because I changed from '87 single piston calipers to '96 dual piston calipers. The rear brakes would lock really easy, until I installed an F350 master cylinder and adjustable proportioning valve. Since your truck is newer, you may not have this problem with the calipers.
With a solid axle, my truck rides a little rougher but it's super tough and you won't have the alignment problems that plague the IFS design.
Good luck
Scott
You'll have to shorten your driveshaft about an inch because of the larger diff housing on the Dana 60. I also had some braking problems because I changed from '87 single piston calipers to '96 dual piston calipers. The rear brakes would lock really easy, until I installed an F350 master cylinder and adjustable proportioning valve. Since your truck is newer, you may not have this problem with the calipers.
With a solid axle, my truck rides a little rougher but it's super tough and you won't have the alignment problems that plague the IFS design.
Good luck
Scott
