Hey guys, I admit I didn't do any research because I need an answer somewhat quick because of a short offer. Will a 99.5 Dana 50 solid axle be better then the 44 ttb. I can get it for free but needs new seals and ratio is whatever came from factory and I have 4.10. My hth is wore out. Needs input seals and ball joints. I know the Dana 60 is sought after. So I guess for a mild build farm truck is it worth putting in there? Any advice would be great. Have till end of night to make my mind up or he is going to junk it.

 

Not a direct swap tho some have done it.wheel lug pattern different and unit bearings suck.
Not really worth the work IMO but it is free.

 

Yes the solid axel is better than the ttb. But... two different bolt patterns, 99.5 may be coils (IDK), 2 different axel ratios, etc. I'd pick it up for free and see what is needed to make it work down the road or scrap it for $.

 

If it were an easy swap all the ttb guys wouldn't be paying an arm and leg for
D60 diff

SD is leaf sprung in 99-04 era

 

My only thought was go through the entire axle (straight axle) keep the 3.73 and then as I tear bed off to replace rear fuel tank and other odds and ends 're-gear the rear end to 3.73 don't need 4.10 with a granny first.

 

The spring perches have to be cut off and moved for the SD axle to bolt up to your springs, and you would be running two different wheels. The "99 and up wheel bolt pattern is metric 8x170mm and the OBS is 8x6.5. Not worth the work in my opinion, especially if you're gonna need to put money into it.