I have a 1960 F100 4x4 with the original axles ( rear ford 9 inch and a close knuckle on the front). I want to change the front closed knuckle axle to a dana 44 high pinion that I purchased( it has a BOM # 610069-4 ). I would like to run 16" rims but am open to tire size suggestions (maybe some general tires).

I know I will need to change the ring an pinions so they match but don't know what to get for each. Any help he would be appreciated.

 

Ford ID number: D9TA-AZA / Dana ID number: 610094-4 = Dana 44.9F Front Driving Axle / 4.09-1 / Free Running Hubs / No Limited Slip / 3,800 lbs. Front Axle Capacity.

Original application: 1979 F250 4WD

 

Thanks, Maybe I should have explained that better. I have the info on the front axle but when I was looking at ring and pinions to buy for the rear I couldn't find any that matched. I'm ok with changing both the front and the rear to get a matching set but I don't know what or where to get the ones I need. I would be ok with what ever would match both front and rear for a daily driver.

 

When you are trying to match front and rear axle ratios they didn't exactly match from the factory. For instance 1959 F100's were 3.92:1 front and 3.89:1 rear. so with your new front being 4.09:1 you could go with 4.11:1 in your ford 9" rear diff.
Good luck in your quest!


Check out RockautoMore Information for USA STANDARD GEAR ZGF9411

 

OK sounds like an option. If I would go with the 411 gear would that be close enough to drive on snow covered roads/hwy or would that put too much stress on the transfer case??

 

The difference in a stock 1960 F100 4x4 front to rear is .03:1, so I think 4.09:1 with a 4.11:1 Would be fine.
I have no experience with the 1/2 ton drive train and my 3/4 ton has a difference of only .o1:1, being 4.56:1 and 4.55:1. When I'm on firm surfaces the trans-case with its straight cut gears can be a little difficult to take out of gear, without backing up as i pull it out gear. When driving on roads with patches of snow and ice I have notice some binding in very tight turns and than the difficulty of taking it out of 4Wheel drive. Been driving it for ~ 46 years, one thing I have not torn up is the transfer case.

 

I'm not exactly sure what the logic was for running the front faster. I've heard it was to keep the truck going straight. Whatever reason, it was an engineering mistake IMO. Newer 4wd don't all do that. I have the original 59 4x4 service book and it is full of warnings not to run on dry hard surface. So you have to be diligent to always slide it to 2H when you aren't on ice or snowpack. They can wind a driveshaft right out and drop it on the ground in only a couple miles of dry pavement in 4H.
What is the width difference on the high pinion? I've been thinking about a more modern drivetrain for my 59 too. I've had enough divorced low pinion highboys to know how easy it is to wipe out that front driveshaft.

 

Caveman if you are real concerned and don't mind blowing the cash. Rockauto shows that you could match the front and rear diff's at 4:11
1960 rear
USA STANDARD GEAR ZGF9411 4.11 ratio Info
FitsRear; 4WD; Ford 9"; 28 Spline
OrRear; 4WD; Ford 9"; 31 Spline
OrRear; RWD; Ford 9"; 31 Spline

1979 front high pinion
DANA HOLDING CORP 2020455 SVL By Dana Info
Front; 216mm Ring Gear Dia.; 4.11 Gear Ratio; Dana Model 44 Axle; Reverse Rotation

I only run in 4wheel when needed, but there are those times when running through patches of dry then slippery, or when loose dirt and dry packed that the T-case gets difficult to shift.

I do like the benefit of the high pinion diff. I too have folded my front shaft on drop-offs and large rocks
Now days when I do any serious 4wheeling I take my tacoma.

Here is the portion of the service manual I think WillowBilly was talking about!




Good luck in your quest

 

Thanks Teddy,
I looked at the 4.11's but was worried about something that low with a 300 six and the ZF-5 transmission. I was thinking about a 3.70 in the 9" rear and a 3.73 in the dana 44 front. I need to drive it on the highway to work and it is an hour trip each way doing at least 70 mph. I understand what willowbilly is talking about though but besides the 4.11's I don't really have much choice.

 

I like the part where the factory book tells you to get out and jack up a wheel if you need to in order to shift out of 4wd. And somehow they didn't realize there was a problem