hey guys - i posted an intro in the new user section if youre interested.

anyhow - i just picked up a 1960 F-250 thats a great runner. all original with a rebuilt motor. 292, 4 speed with a 4:56 dana rear.

1st question is: i did a search on the rear axle subject but came up with a lot of threads based around a 9". id like to keep the 8 lug dana 60 style axle but would like a more practical ratio. id be up for buying an entire rear axle from a salvage yard but im wondering what vehicles would offer me the most direct swap that have a less steep gear. im planning on keeping stock sized tires on it since i like the height of the bed as it is. id also be up for trades if a local off roader would rather have my super low geared rear if they had a more streetable rear to offer.

2nd question: a little less technical but... my glove box door is hanging wide open & i dont see any latching mechanism at all. i noticed theres arms on the sides of the door with tiny holes in the ends. is this door supposed to be held close with springs of some sort? i cant seem to figure out how its supposed to stay shut.

anyhow - thanks in advance for any advice & sorry if these are topics that are beat to death. i did try the 'search' though.

joe

 

The rear Dana 60 through 72 should be the same, look for a 70-72 for better ratios. On the glove box door there should be 2 small springs that hold it closed.

Oh yea, welcome to FTE, you've found the best site for info on Ford trucks anywhere!

 

hey thanks for the quick reply! good to hear about the glove box. i picked up a pack of springs yesterday since i suspected thats how it worked.

so ill keep an eye out for 70-72 dana60s. if i stay with ford trucks, will i have to mod the spring perches or anything? should i also keep my eyes peeled for dodges, jeeps, etc.? i think dana60s were/are in everything right?

thanks again! this site does seem pretty great!

 

The Dana 60 from a Ford should be a direct bolt-in through 72, any other brand would be a crapshoot.
Here's a link to the spring setup for the glovebox door from Dennis Carpenter
http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....4g~Z5Z5Z5GAAQM

 

Welcome to the board!!

If you can find the diff from a Ford truck up through 72 then its a direct bolt in. At the worst you might have to weld on some shock mounts.

Good luck
Bobby

 

Welcome to this forum, great to have you on board.

 

thanks for the info guys - i have another question regarding the rear axle swap.... if i take the speedo gear out of the donor truck, will it work with the cable/speedo in my '60 to make the mph accurate?

 

That depends on the transmission. You should have a T-98 now, but they were discontinued before 70, so if the rear-end is out of a later truck, the speedo gear won't fit. There are ratio adapters avalible though to correct the speedo.

 

Welcome to FTE

Getting the speedometer to read correctly depends on three factors: Tire Size; Rear Axle Ratio, Make of transmission (New Process or Warner)

1965/72 Dana 60 Axle ratios: 3.54-1 / 3.73-1 / 4.10-1 / 4.56-1

Junkyarding...How will you tell what the axle ratio is?

There is a 2" X 1/2" ID tag bolted to the removable rear end cover on the left side. The tag will have the ratio on it.

The tag may also be bolted to the left (drivers) side of the cover on the axle tube.

 

damn, you guys are awesome!