axle ratio question
 

I have a 1959 F250 292 V8 4speed 2wd truck. I am trying to figure out my axle ratio. It is a full floating Dana 60. There is no axle tag on the pumpkin but it does say 60 on the side of the pumpkin. The VIN tag says 04 for the axle. I have searched all over and cannot find this ratio.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/m...-imag0136.html
Click for image of VIN plate

PK, I think there were only two gear ratios available for the Dana 60 rear-ends in our 1959 F250.One was 4.56:1, which is what had,and also (I believe) 4.11:1.Not positive on the second one.

I had the gears changed to a more friendly 3.54:1, if I lived in a flat area,would have even went to a 3.23 for better fuel mileage.

Note: I saw where you listed your axle code,04,that means you've also got the 4.56.

Steve

That's what I was thinking for ratio but I was hoping it was 4:11 not 4:56. 1st gear is absolutely useless and 60 mph is almost on the rev limiter. I am gona definitely get 3:54 gears. That is the lowest ratio I can find of any brand. Are you sure 04 means 4:56 or is that just and educated guess? Thanks

That is according to the chart in the 1959 Truck Parts and Accessories Catalog that I have.

Thank you very much. I need to get one of those parts catalog.

So, since I have 4:56 gears does that mean if I went with 3:54 gears I would have to get a 4:11 and lower carrier? Will 3:54 gears fit on my 4:56 differential?

So, since I have 4:56 gears does that mean if I went with 3:54 gears I would have to get a 4:11 and lower carrier? Will 3:54 gears fit on my 4:56 differential?

PK,I took my truck to a reputable truck/4-wheel drive shop that did the work quickly,efficiently for about 350.00 ,about 4-5 years ago.They had the correct gearset in stock,they do lots of these change-overs.If you're in a smaller town,though,any good shop can order the parts.I'm in Cali,so what might seem an outrageous price to you guys in other parts of the country,to me is a bargain.Possibly less expensive in other areas.

Steve

But im still wondering if there are two different differentials for the 4:56-up gears and 4:11-down gears. Will the 3:54 gears work on my 4:56-up differential or do I need to get a 4:11-down diff?

The exact same Dana 60 housing for the F250(3/4 ton),and will accept different gearsets.AFAIK,it was the only available differential from Ford for an 2WD F250 in 1957-60.Of course, who knows what some deranged previous owner may have thrown in there,then all bets are off.Run it by a good shop,they'll quickly I.D. it for you if you're not sure.

the 2 ratios used on F250 2WD trucks are 4.56 and 4.88...


- cs65

Thanks for correcting me,Don

Steve

Thanks guys. I just wanted to make sure if I order 3:54 gears they will work on my diff.

You might want call one of the bigger axle part companies and ask, I know the dana 44's in the early trucks used two carriers depending on ratio. I'm willing to bet the 60 is the same way.