What is this ?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,948
Likes: 44
Mark, that does not look like a "low pinion" front axle. It actually does look like a high pinion axle.
I am trying to study the second pic, and it appears that we are looking at the botttom of the axle. If you can imagine the axle rotated the correct direction, it would appear that the axle is a desireable axle.
The third pic also supports this. This third pic would shou that the pinion is above the center line of the axle, and I believe we are looking at the long side, or the pass side of the unit.
Might be worth a closer look.
I also wanted to add that 76 and 77 F250 crew cab front axles were open knuckle disc brake low pinion axles. So this could be a real low pinion open knuckle axle, but it still shares the whimpy front axle shafts (30 spline) and smaller 5-282x joints.
Not a real desireable unit.
I am trying to study the second pic, and it appears that we are looking at the botttom of the axle. If you can imagine the axle rotated the correct direction, it would appear that the axle is a desireable axle.
The third pic also supports this. This third pic would shou that the pinion is above the center line of the axle, and I believe we are looking at the long side, or the pass side of the unit.
Might be worth a closer look.
I also wanted to add that 76 and 77 F250 crew cab front axles were open knuckle disc brake low pinion axles. So this could be a real low pinion open knuckle axle, but it still shares the whimpy front axle shafts (30 spline) and smaller 5-282x joints.
Not a real desireable unit.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,587
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach
I believe from 1975 to early 1977 the Crew cab F250 4x4 had the option of the low pinion Dana 60 front axle. Fairly rare axle, and not worth what people try and sell them for 
If you look closely, it has the cast lower shock mounts like those found on that era's High Boy Dana 44's. Also, it is the same Spicer hub as those found on Dana 44's of that era. . .or really, Dana 44's used that Dana 60 hub assembly.
As was mentioned, the axle shafts were tiny. Also notable if you ever found one super cheap, the inner knuckle is much thicker and beefier especially around the upper portion. . .much like the Dodge Dana 70 front axles. Just somethings to keep in mind.
Huzza!!
If you look closely, it has the cast lower shock mounts like those found on that era's High Boy Dana 44's. Also, it is the same Spicer hub as those found on Dana 44's of that era. . .or really, Dana 44's used that Dana 60 hub assembly.
As was mentioned, the axle shafts were tiny. Also notable if you ever found one super cheap, the inner knuckle is much thicker and beefier especially around the upper portion. . .much like the Dodge Dana 70 front axles. Just somethings to keep in mind.
Huzza!!
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,922
Likes: 152
I asked him if he was sure it was a HP & he said "I was told ford ran that in part of 1977 before they changed to high pinion. Thats what I was told because I thought ford olny ran high pinion".
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,922
Likes: 152
Never say never when it comes to old fords. I never knew in '77 Ford made a low pinion king pin, open knuckle front 60 but here it is. It probably could even be upgraded to 35 spline outers.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 108
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That's exactly what my bro-in-law utfball68 has in the front of his 77...I dunno what/if he's done anything to it. He may have a few pics in his gallery to use as a comparison.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,948
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By the time someone spent enough time and money to make this a decent front axle, they might have spent more than if they had just bought a HP unit.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 788
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From: Cascade, ID
So, what I have gathered here is that I don't really need to try and find an early D60LP for my '71, a D44HP is about as tough and way cheaper and easier to find. I have pretty much written off the D60HP, they only made them for 2 years and the world thinks they are gold plated. I am not hard enough on stuff to warrant that much beef. I mostly want front disc brakes.
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