Notices

Dana 60 Process and Pattern Check

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 9, 2026 | 09:16 PM
  #1  
BulletGenius's Avatar
BulletGenius
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 1
Likes: 1
Question Dana 60 Process and Pattern Check

Hello, I am new to this so please forgive my mistakes, this is what I have.

03 Excursion with a busted Dana 50, so I purchased a 2002 Super Duty Dana 60 with all the fixings and I am trying to fineness the shimming. I have the Maintenance manual for this truck but I do not see a very detailed section on
I replaced the axle shaft seals and pressed on the new inner pinion bearing, there was a .050 shim between the pinion head and the bearing (#21), however I now have a pack of (.050) shims behind the inner setup race (#19), then the new (same .016) oil slinger (#11) behind it.

Continuing back I have a used crush sleeve to let me just get the pinion almost tight for the first reading, I have a setup outer pinion bearing (#17) and the new race (#10) is pressed in. I have 6 crush sleeves since I heard I may do that a few times.

On my carrier it had on the bolt side four .011 and a .005 shims to make .049. Tooth side had two .012 and two .010 to make .044.

I replaced these with the exact thickness after cleaning them of oil and measuring in three spots. I placed them behind two more setup bearings (#29) and the new races (#2).

I painted three spots on the ring gear and turned it with resistance. Photo below to show the pattern. Also, I had .006 backlash on the carrier.

I wasn't able to measure any movement for preload on the carrier, I don't have a spreader and used a soft rubber mallet to seat the races fully. This is what I saw a guy on YouTube do and said that's about how he sets it up. I would prefer a more scientific way to know it is done correctly. This is what I have so far.

Any advice is appreciated, I will be out in the shed all weekend doing this. Thanks in advance.




1st pattern with .049 Bolt / .044 Tooth. .050 on the pinion.


 
Reply
Old Jan 16, 2026 | 07:15 AM
  #2  
N147JK's Avatar
N147JK
Mountain Pass
5 Year Member
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 170
Likes: 45
I just went through my Dana 60 with new ring, pinion, and bearings. Took me forever, so I know what you're going through.

Are the shim values the same as your old setup? Is that how you decided on them?

What's the backlash value?

Some will say the pattern needs to move back toward the center of the tooth, but Dana's own documents say a pattern towards the toe as you have it there is correct. This is about how mine looked and it came out perfect - no binding, noise, or heat.

Be sure to check the coast side as well.

Here's my thread, includes the Dana doc reference.. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...rn-thread.html

 

Last edited by N147JK; Jan 16, 2026 at 07:17 AM.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
N147JK
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
5
Dec 6, 2025 02:10 PM
Est1991
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
4
Jan 9, 2023 11:20 PM
stpackard
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
25
Mar 2, 2022 01:35 PM
BigTiny460
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
12
Mar 26, 2013 08:10 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:44 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE