2017 axles
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 1
From: Corpus Christi, TX
The issue is what is meant by "Super"... This is a marketing term and not a technical term. If Dana thinks they are Super, then they are indeed Super.
Of course all Super 60's are not created equal. It's like saying all F350s should be the exactly the same. Super 60 is a model, and is equipped or modified for each purpose.
Anyone count the splines on one of our front driveshafts? Supers are supposed to have 35, while regular 60s are supposed to have 30.
Of course all Super 60's are not created equal. It's like saying all F350s should be the exactly the same. Super 60 is a model, and is equipped or modified for each purpose.
Anyone count the splines on one of our front driveshafts? Supers are supposed to have 35, while regular 60s are supposed to have 30.
Dana Super 60 (Dana S 60)
Dana Super 60
The Dana Super 60 is an upgraded version of the Dana 60 front axle.
Differences in the Dana Super 60 versus the regular Dana 60:
Larger and thicker diameter steel tubes (3.75 inches diameter and ½ in thick)
Larger ring and pinion which increase the contact area and overall strength.
Some use larger ("1550") Universal Joints which increase strength and steering angle.
Net formed spider gears for increased strength.
The Dana Super 60 housing is also found on 2005+ F250/F350, but the internals are 9.75" ring gear and smaller universal joint.
All made with 35 spline axle shafts.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 507
From: Phelan CA
Good info, DSLTRK60. It appears I was incorrect, which happens plenty of times. I was just basing my info on the appearance of the axle tube size and diff size, which appeared to be the same as the 550. I never disputed the ends of the axle were different, obviously. Willynilly...apology accepted?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 507
From: Phelan CA
Incorrect sir. There are major differences between the Dana 60 and the Dana Super 60 (S60). Here is a good write up outlining the main ones.
Dana Super 60 (Dana S 60)
Dana Super 60
The Dana Super 60 is an upgraded version of the Dana 60 front axle.
Differences in the Dana Super 60 versus the regular Dana 60:
Larger and thicker diameter steel tubes (3.75 inches diameter and ½ in thick)
Larger ring and pinion which increase the contact area and overall strength.
Some use larger ("1550") Universal Joints which increase strength and steering angle.
Net formed spider gears for increased strength.
The Dana Super 60 housing is also found on 2005+ F250/F350, but the internals are 9.75" ring gear and smaller universal joint.
All made with 35 spline axle shafts.
Dana Super 60 (Dana S 60)
Dana Super 60
The Dana Super 60 is an upgraded version of the Dana 60 front axle.
Differences in the Dana Super 60 versus the regular Dana 60:
Larger and thicker diameter steel tubes (3.75 inches diameter and ½ in thick)
Larger ring and pinion which increase the contact area and overall strength.
Some use larger ("1550") Universal Joints which increase strength and steering angle.
Net formed spider gears for increased strength.
The Dana Super 60 housing is also found on 2005+ F250/F350, but the internals are 9.75" ring gear and smaller universal joint.
All made with 35 spline axle shafts.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 507
From: Phelan CA
Yes. Since 05 the outer stubs have been 35 spline. Inners have always been 35 spline though.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 566
Likes: 3
From: Florence SC
Incorrect sir. There are major differences between the Dana 60 and the Dana Super 60 (S60). Here is a good write up outlining the main ones.
Dana Super 60 (Dana S 60)
Dana Super 60
The Dana Super 60 is an upgraded version of the Dana 60 front axle.
Differences in the Dana Super 60 versus the regular Dana 60:
Larger and thicker diameter steel tubes (3.75 inches diameter and ½ in thick)
Larger ring and pinion which increase the contact area and overall strength.
Some use larger ("1550") Universal Joints which increase strength and steering angle.
Net formed spider gears for increased strength.
The Dana Super 60 housing is also found on 2005+ F250/F350, but the internals are 9.75" ring gear and smaller universal joint.
All made with 35 spline axle shafts.
Dana Super 60 (Dana S 60)
Dana Super 60
The Dana Super 60 is an upgraded version of the Dana 60 front axle.
Differences in the Dana Super 60 versus the regular Dana 60:
Larger and thicker diameter steel tubes (3.75 inches diameter and ½ in thick)
Larger ring and pinion which increase the contact area and overall strength.
Some use larger ("1550") Universal Joints which increase strength and steering angle.
Net formed spider gears for increased strength.
The Dana Super 60 housing is also found on 2005+ F250/F350, but the internals are 9.75" ring gear and smaller universal joint.
All made with 35 spline axle shafts.
8th Gear
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8
Likes: 12
Willynilly is 100% correct.
Ford and Dana have muddied the water on the 'Super' designation; yes, it's true all 2005-up 60s are Super, due to the 3.75'' inch tubes and larger-than-standard-60 inner Cs/knuckles.
However, the 'true' 'Super' 60 is only available in 450/550 trucks with 19.5 wheels.
Tubes on these are 0.5'' thick, and have massive Dana 70 inner Cs/knuckles to achieve the 7000 lb rating. I have one in my garage right now, trying to get 17 inch wheels to fit.
For 2017, the 250/350 units are different in that they use .370" thick tubes, smaller Cs/knuckles, and of course the narrow track. Every rotating component is the now the same though.
Ford and Dana have muddied the water on the 'Super' designation; yes, it's true all 2005-up 60s are Super, due to the 3.75'' inch tubes and larger-than-standard-60 inner Cs/knuckles.
However, the 'true' 'Super' 60 is only available in 450/550 trucks with 19.5 wheels.
Tubes on these are 0.5'' thick, and have massive Dana 70 inner Cs/knuckles to achieve the 7000 lb rating. I have one in my garage right now, trying to get 17 inch wheels to fit.
For 2017, the 250/350 units are different in that they use .370" thick tubes, smaller Cs/knuckles, and of course the narrow track. Every rotating component is the now the same though.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 507
From: Phelan CA
Apologize in advance for resurrecting a 5 yr old thread. @DSLTRK60 Did the 17" DRW wheels fit over the large knuckles of the F450 axle with the brakes out of the way? I've tried searching for an answer, but couldn't find on this far. Don't really want to spend 1500 on an axle just to test fit. I think I can find a solution for brakes, just want to make sure the wheels fit over the knuckles.
Always check before you buy though.
8th Gear
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8
Likes: 12
Thanks for the reply! I was worried that the 17" wheels would drag on the tie rod or steering arm of the knuckle. So I ended up buying a small knuckle wide track axle out of a tow boss F350.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 507
From: Phelan CA
If you do a "Fatboy" swap in the 17+ F350, please post a thread with pictures.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
LTF250
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
8
Dec 28, 2004 06:40 PM