Dana 61?
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Dana 61?
WTF is a Dana 61? My truck siezed an axle bearing about 3 weeks ago, and I took the rear end over to a shop to see if the diff was intacked. I had always assumed it was a Dana 60 (bolt pattern and tag said it was a 60), but the shop said it was a Dana 61 housing. The diff is actually a Dana 68 with a posi setup. Anyone know what these two are (Dana 61 and 68). I also found out (the hard way) that the Dana 61 and Ford 9" have different leaf and shock mount points (they are about 2 inches off). In fact, the 9" is about 3 inches wider
. Where can I find parts for my Dana rear?
. Where can I find parts for my Dana rear?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,463
Likes: 724
From: Calgary Canada
The Dana 61 is almost exactly the same as the Dana 60. I have both and I can't spot the difference. From what I know, everything that will bolt on or fit in a dana 60 will work for the 61.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,222
Likes: 1
From: East Central Florida
Actually spring the perch difference is due to 9" you measured is out of a 73 or later. 65-72 are 2 inches narrower than 73-79. 
They also have bigger brakes and can be 31 spline if you know what you're looking for, while 65-72s only have up to 2-1/2" X 11" brakes and will all be 28 spline 9" FoMoCo Rears.
Dana housing number difference can be from another brand truck. An 8 lug is an 8 lug & all are the same, regardless of brand it comes in. Some will fit on a interchange, some won't.
FBp
They also have bigger brakes and can be 31 spline if you know what you're looking for, while 65-72s only have up to 2-1/2" X 11" brakes and will all be 28 spline 9" FoMoCo Rears.
Dana housing number difference can be from another brand truck. An 8 lug is an 8 lug & all are the same, regardless of brand it comes in. Some will fit on a interchange, some won't.
FBp
Last edited by FordBoypete; Jul 27, 2006 at 12:49 AM.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
Most D61 rears were semi-float, they have a different carrier, and I don't think there are any aftermarket gears available.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again-
The heavy F-100 and the F-100 4x4 had a 31 spline big bearing nodular housing 9". I know, I just sold the one out of my 72 F100 4x4, it also had a factory installed Detroit locker.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again-
The heavy F-100 and the F-100 4x4 had a 31 spline big bearing nodular housing 9". I know, I just sold the one out of my 72 F100 4x4, it also had a factory installed Detroit locker.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 3
From: gravel road ONTARIO
I've never heard of a Dana 68!!!!! the dana 61 diffs I had were in 77-79 F250 light duty trucks with single piston front calipers, but they were full floating axles. Looked almost identical to a dana60 but had 3.07 and 3.31 ratio axles. Never saved 1! all were 3" wide leaf springs and would not bolt into a 67-72 Ford without mods.
Ford_Six: That heavy F100 and 4x4 F100 9" 31spline is actually a 9.75 rear or whatever they called them. I have been looking for one for a while and have found not even one. Do you know of the axle code on the door tag? I have a 69 F100 with a "N" housing but I thought it was just put in aftermarket. I may already have the axle I have been looking for! I've been saving 9"s for years.
Ford_Six: That heavy F100 and 4x4 F100 9" 31spline is actually a 9.75 rear or whatever they called them. I have been looking for one for a while and have found not even one. Do you know of the axle code on the door tag? I have a 69 F100 with a "N" housing but I thought it was just put in aftermarket. I may already have the axle I have been looking for! I've been saving 9"s for years.
