95 F250 Solid axle swap question
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Tuned
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 266
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From: Marquette, MI
95 F250 Solid axle swap question
I am looking at putting a dana 60 solid front end in my 95 f250 and i have run into a few problems. It is extremely hard for me to find a front axle from a 86-97 f350 which i am told will bolt right in. It is however easy to find an axle from a 78-79 f250 which is also a dana 60. Would it be possible to use one of these instead? Is the steering completely different, or can i use the steering from an f350? Are the spring perches in the same place? If not i have no problem removing the old ones and putting new ones in the right spot if it will work. Has anyone ever done with swap with an axle from a 78 or 79? What about brakes? Will the brake lines on my truck fit on the older calipers? Will the newer style brake calipers work on the older axle? Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Whately, Ma
If you have a 77.5/79 Dana 60, sell or trade it for a 85.5/91 or 92/97 Dana 60. It will be easier. To use the earlier axle, you will have to make spring mounts that are inward beacuse the early 60 has 32" center-to-center spring pads. The later 60 has 36" pads.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 266
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From: Marquette, MI
So if i remove the spring pads on the 78-79 axle and put the new pads at the correct locations, will it work? Is everything else the same? I have this old axle with correct gearing and in excellent condition and would rather use it if possible. Thanks
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Tuned
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 266
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From: Marquette, MI
To tell you the truth its unreasonable to find a f350 axle at a decent price. everyone wants at least 1000 dollars for one. I got this axle for a 78-79 for 100 dollars in great condition. I really want to use this one. The 78-79 axle i have is also high pinion. Does anyone know about switching over the steering? Will the F350 steering bolt onto the knuckles of the 78-79 axle? What about brakes?
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i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
if it is a high pinion D60 with disc brakes, and you are confident of your welding skills, yes, it will work fine after you move the spring perches.
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Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 266
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From: Marquette, MI
sounds good.. the f250 axle has the steering arm on the top of the knuckle at the king pin. Do i need to do anything special to remove this? If i go with the 78-79 axle i dont need it.... i will be putting the f350 steering linkage on it
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 441
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From: Iowa
02 and up Superduty axles are weaker with their sealed unit-bearing hub design. Wanna shell out the cash for the Dynatrac conversion? I know Monsterbaby had a fun time when one of his decided to go out and locked up a tire on his truck. And they're expensive enough that you DON'T want to be replacing them often.
Have you considered going to coil springs with that 78-79 D60? You just shave down the little wedges you buy for hte D44 to accomodate for hte difference in tube size between a D44 and a D60, and weld them on (take them to a professional welder - this is SERIOUS welding!), hook up some coil buckets lower and upper, get some D44 radius arms and extend them, use the coil of your choice, get hte right C-bushings and you're in bushing. Don't forget a trac bar either.
Have you considered going to coil springs with that 78-79 D60? You just shave down the little wedges you buy for hte D44 to accomodate for hte difference in tube size between a D44 and a D60, and weld them on (take them to a professional welder - this is SERIOUS welding!), hook up some coil buckets lower and upper, get some D44 radius arms and extend them, use the coil of your choice, get hte right C-bushings and you're in bushing. Don't forget a trac bar either.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,377
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From: Elkhart IN
if it was a front 60, it would be a rear 70 then right? is this a 70? https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...&albumid=19344 i dont have the axles here, there at the shop, but i was told that mine from a 78 250 were a 44 and a 60, but are they a 60 and a 70 instead?
