Ok guys I need some help. I have a 1950 Ford F3 that I am restoring (down to frame now) and I have a Dana 60 rearend to replace the original. I found a 71 or 72 Dana 60 rearend to get rid of the Widowmaker wheels and go to a 16 inch newer style. I have removed the U bolt shackles from the leaf springs and rearend, but I don't know where to go next. How do I remove the original rearend and the leaf springs???? I need some detailed instructions on what I am doing wrong and how to drop the original rearend. ALL help is greatly appreciated!!!! Thank you.

 

Right, start by putting the u bolts back in and doing them up. Then jack the rear of the truck up and put stands under the chassis, not under the axle, under the chassis rails themselves, preferably in front of the springs. The stands need to be tall enough that the rear wheels are an inch or two at least above the floor. I'm assuming your driveshaft and e brake are disconnected from the rear end by this point. Then put a jack under the centre of the differential and jack it up until it just starts to compress the springs, only then do you undo the u bolts and lower the jack down, the rear end should simply drop away from the springs, it might need a light tap with a hammer to help it, there is a locating lug on the springs that can stick a bit. Leave the original springs in place, you'll use them with the Dana 60.