Dana 70
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
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I used one in my ford, pics in my 49' 4x4 gallery, of course it's a custome built peace, not to hard to do but your not gaining much over a dana 60, they have the same size axles and same design, the 70 has a bigger ring & pinon but thats about it, the only reason I built mine was becaus I wanted the pumpkin centered & by getting away from the reverse rotation gears I have a bigger selection of ratios to choose from,
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 9,236
Likes: 12
From: Senoia, GA
Originally Posted by 95-F-350-4x4
I think some older heavy duty Fords used them in the rear but never in the front. I'm not sure exactly what years though.
-jason-
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 8,238
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From: Oregon
Originally Posted by Skipped_link
...your not gaining much over a dana 60, they have the same size axles and same design, the 70 has a bigger ring & pinon but thats about it...
!Say what!?
70s are MUCH stronger than a measely 60. Its rare to find a 35 spine 60, heck, 19 spliners are common. They have weaker axles, weaker tubes, and as you mentioned weaker ring and pinion. A 70s axle measures in with 35 splines (some really old ones have less splines but same larger axle), at 1.5 where the 60 is 1.31. These axles are not comparable for strength in the slightest. If you get a 70u you will also have the ground clearance of a 60. If you would like to check my facts you can easily reference them at Danas sight or Billavista's Dana 60/70 tech articles at Pirate.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,259
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From: Florida Hill Country
Then there's that Dodgie hybrid with the D80 punkin and the D70 tubes which is not a bad idea.
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Lead Driver
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 9,236
Likes: 12
From: Senoia, GA
WHOA..... I missed that! Skip, make sure you know what you are talking about before you post man! ppl around here get confuzzed easily!
-jason-
-jason-
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,945
Likes: 3
From: Spokane, WA
But we're talking front axles, right? Doesn't the Dana 60 front have 35 spline inner axles the same as a 70, just not outers? Now I'm all befuddled?! 
I know the rear 70 is a lot stronger than the 60 (hell, you convinced me to get one! 
) but is there much a difference in the front axles other than the size of the ring gear and I would imagine outer axles?
I know the rear 70 is a lot stronger than the 60 (hell, you convinced me to get one! ) but is there much a difference in the front axles other than the size of the ring gear and I would imagine outer axles?
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 2,759
Likes: 2
From: Auburn,Al
yea i think he was talking about the fronts....a front 60 and stock front 70 are about the saem strength, alot of the front 70's were closed knuckles with weird joints, i think the dana 70 35 spline stub was only used in forklift applications or sumthin. most front 70's you see under rigs are custom built with 35 spline stuff all the way through and 60 outers for disc brakes and such.
and i think ford still uses the 70 in the back of some vans, im not really sure, but the 450 uses a dana 80, and the 550 uses a dana 135
they were used in the back of 1 tons in fords before they came out with the sterling 10.25 in '85
and i think ford still uses the 70 in the back of some vans, im not really sure, but the 450 uses a dana 80, and the 550 uses a dana 135
they were used in the back of 1 tons in fords before they came out with the sterling 10.25 in '85
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 8,238
Likes: 3
From: Oregon
Although the original question was about Ford Dana 70 fronts, I believe the rest of the discussion pertained to rear axles. It would be difficult to compare a front Ford d60 vs a front ford d70 as I don't believe they exist. They only front dana 70s I've seen were dodges, I believe they came in motor homes, and they were closed knuckle like Ho mentioned.
However, assuming that we ARE talking about comparing a front 60 to front 70, the axle of the 70 is still larger, thus stronger.
However, assuming that we ARE talking about comparing a front 60 to front 70, the axle of the 70 is still larger, thus stronger.
im excited. maybe you all can find me a Pside drop D70 for a couple bucks 
