1978 Dana 60 value and rarity?
 

What would you guys value a D60 front axle out of a 78 F250 at? Not rebuilt or anything... Also how rare is that specific axle? Did they only have that axle for 77.5-79? Since the 77 and older her different frame wisth and different spring width would it be different? And in 1980 the trucks changed again?

So if someone had a 78F250 with a D44 and wanted a D60, they would have to get one out of a 77.5-79 F250 (or 79 F350) correct?? Or is there other years that would fit?

A guy has a 78F250 4x4 truck here for sale that has a D60 front axle, and I am just curious as to what it would be worth. The truck also has the same 4spd tranny and transfer case as my 77.5 so that would also be good spare parts, but I am more specifically looking at the axle since my truck only has a D44 in the front. The body is shot but I wouldnt be buying it for that anyways. He also has a factory 78 ford push bar to go with the truck (any value on that?).

Thanks guys look forward to your replies!

They 78-79 Dana 60 high pinion brings about $1000 on ebay in used condtion, they fit right into the older "Highboy" F-250's the spring pads are the same width, shock mounts and steering are bolt-in's also. Not sure if driveshaft has to be cut, mine was already in my 76 when I got it. I got a extra 4.10 D-60 hp with calipers if anyone is looking.

Ok he wants $1000 for the whole truck so I guess its a good deal! Also if anyone can answert the rest of my questions that would be great! And another question, since the 77.5-79 D60 fits in the older 77 and older trucks, does a D60 from a the older trucks fit into the 77.5-79 trucks?

Thanks

Other than drive shaft length the D60 is a direct bolt in. You will have to have your drive shaft cut by about 1". If your donor truck has a good drive shaft it sounds like that won't be a problem.

It should but the older trucks had a dana 60 low pinion, not very desirable.

Was that the one in Humboldt? I wish I would have phoned Tuesday when I saw the ad. If you are planning on selling the axle I would certainly be interested. I have an older D60 for partial trade or would probably give you what you paid for the truck (if it is in good shape).

You probably allready realize it,but since you didn't bring it up I figured I'd mention it to you.Ya wanna make sure the d60 is the same gear ratio as the one you have in your trk.More than likley the 60's gonna be either 3.54 or 4:10 Your trks could be those or higher.If uncompatable ya gonna have to take the rear end to.I don't know if you know it or not,but the administrator said you don't accept emails.I'll buy that push bar from you if you want to sell it.Email me if your interested.

If I read the first posting correctly, he plans on using that 60 to replace his 44.

Around here, a 77.5-79 60 sells from anywhere in the $1000-2000 in stock form. I sold mine for $1500, a buddy got $1800 for his. (west coast). When you get an axle shipped, it adds another $2-400 to the price tag. If you were to sell local, find out what other 60s have sold for, and set your price high, and wait for a buyer. If you want your axle for free, swap your 44 to that truck, and sell it again for $1000 or more.

Yes I realize he was wanting the axle but it is worth a shot. If the D44 is already open knuckle with disc brakes, the D60 isn't a necessary upgrade unless you want a rock crawler or have huge tires. The rest of the parts for "free" might be a good incentive.


I have to wonder if the seller would know the difference between a HD44 and the D60 if he doesn't know the value of a D60?

For cruising around, i agree, the 60 is ot a worthwhile upgrade. If the truck gets used offroad at all, a D60 is an investment in not having something break as easily. Repairs in BFE suck!!

yes all true the highboy has a low pionon the 77.5 has highpion cost of the d- 60 is 1000-1500 around here...the frame width diffrence is right after the cab... so if you tried to use the 78 rear in your truck you will run into problem you will have to have the spring perches cut off and moved in for the highboy.. so if your buying this for your truck make sure you have the same gear ratio... if they are differnt the rear will not be a direct bolt in (I did the oppsite on my 78)

Heh, if I found a D60 front, and wanted to use it, I would not care what the gear ratio is, but i would check it. :P I would make the rear match the front, or put tires on to split the difference and make it the same (like 31s on the front 33's rear) 460Freak is right however, you will be moving spring perches if you swap rear axles.... Or find another D60 from a highboy that has the right gears for cheap.

Actually guys a 77.5 F250 and a 78 are the same, so springs wouldnt have to be changed. If it were a 77 then yes that is different then a 78. So both axles would be swapped. What would that push bar be worth?

The one in my truck right now is the open knuckle disc brakes 44.... so your saying because I dont have lift and big tires Im not going to gain anything? If thats the case I will just keep it for when I decide to build a monster of a truck (someday!).

Heh, I think what he was trying to accompish was to get you to sell it to him cheap... :D

Somehow I assumed you had a 74, not a late year 77.5, so I rekon everything on that truck will bolt up without issues.. DOOH!!

So did all 78-79 F-250's have D60's in them? I thought they used a lotta 44's or is that just a later model thing? If so how do you tell the difference between the HD44 and D60? If the tag does happen to still be on there, what numbers do you look for?