Dana 60 swap for 49 M68

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Feb 16, 2017 | 01:11 PM

zrae

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From: Prince George

Dana 60 swap for 49 M68

Hey guys. So I am looking at doing a rear end swap on my 49 Mercury M68. Any recommendations as to the years that would work? My understanding is that a Dana 60 from late 50's to early 70's 3/4 or 1 ton is the way to go. I have found a mid 70's Dana 60 with 4:10 gears in excellent condition for $250.

Feb 16, 2017 | 07:35 PM

ALBUQ F-1

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From: NM

The break point is '72. Later ones (newer) are wider, almost 4" as I recall.

Feb 16, 2017 | 07:43 PM

BlueOvalRage

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From: Oxford, Indiana

The '67-'72 axles are the best swap candidates. Besides being basically a bolt-in swap as far as width and perch location, they used a larger, more modern Bendix brake design that carried through in production until the mid 2000's and the gear ratios were better. It's common to find them with 3.73's.

Feb 16, 2017 | 07:47 PM

zrae

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From: Prince George

Hm. I guess I better take some measurements before I commit to buying this one. I believe the guy said it's around a 74/75. Guess I will be on the hunt again.

Feb 17, 2017 | 09:34 PM

zrae

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From: Prince George

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALBUQ F-1

The break point is '72. Later ones (newer) are wider, almost 4" as I recall.

Would that mean that it's just going to be 2" wider on either side? Or are there any other issues at play?

Feb 17, 2017 | 10:58 PM

pineconeford

Knuckle Bandage Sales Rep

Joined: Feb 2011

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From: Maine

Here are a couple of pictures of the rear I'll be putting my '49 F3.
It's from a 1971 F250, has limited slip and 4:10 gears.

I've got it all painted up and it now has new seals, brake hardware & linings, drums, gaskets, etc.
Was able to find all the parts on Rockauto.com for a very good price.
Can't wait to install it and get better road speeds than the original 4:86's.

Tom

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Feb 18, 2017 | 12:33 AM

zrae

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From: Prince George

Quote:

Originally Posted by pineconeford

What are you going to be running for a transmission? Or do you plan on using the original? This whole restoration thing is very new to me so I am always interested to see what other people are doing.

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Feb 18, 2017 | 11:44 AM

Scotty's 52 F3

Cargo Master

Joined: Aug 2015

Posts: 2,077

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From: Marana, Arizona

I went with a T98 trans from a 1950 F6 and a 3.73 rear from a 1972 F250. Synchronized shifting and a little over 65 MPH top speed with my tired engine and almost 32" tires. An overdrive trans would be nice but I'm happy with my setup.