Dana 50 IFS to Dana 50 solid axle?
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,792
Likes: 72
From: Richland, WA
Dana 50 IFS to Dana 50 solid axle?
I have '97 F250 with a Dana 50 IFS front axle (no ABS) and I would like to convert it to a solid axle. I know that most people use the Dana 60 for this type of conversion, but I'm considering using a Dana 50 solid axle from a '99 or newer F250 with ABS. Has anyone ever done this kind of swap and how hard would it be to hook up the ABS?
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
There are problems that come with the 99+ D50.
It uses a 8 on 170mm bolt pattern. 85.5-97 D60 is 8 on 6.5
Spring perch width is 39.5", while 85.5-97 D60 is 36.5"
Trac bar mount is completely different.
And you would need to do some rigging for the steering linkage(not a place to do rigging)
BUT
If you get a 05 and newer D60 w coil springs there is a guy who sell a kit so it will go in your truck. but you will still have a different pattern, unless you change the rear axle as well
It uses a 8 on 170mm bolt pattern. 85.5-97 D60 is 8 on 6.5
Spring perch width is 39.5", while 85.5-97 D60 is 36.5"
Trac bar mount is completely different.
And you would need to do some rigging for the steering linkage(not a place to do rigging)
BUT
If you get a 05 and newer D60 w coil springs there is a guy who sell a kit so it will go in your truck. but you will still have a different pattern, unless you change the rear axle as well
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,792
Likes: 72
From: Richland, WA
Thanks guys. The reason I was considering a '99+ solid axle is because I'm running 3.73 gears and the 85.5-97 D60 didn't come with 3.73s; and I don't really want to spend more money on new gears.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 979
Likes: 40
From: Colorado Springs CO
Does anyone know if it's possible to put the early D50 outers on the 99-up D50 axle? Then you'd at least have the same bolt pattern.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
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From: Gilbert, PA
Its difficult.The 99+ axles dont have spindles BUT dynatrac makes a real bearing and spindle kit, to do away with the unit bearing. Maybe you could use that in conjunction w a 97- hub to get the 8 0n 6.5 pattern. But those are around 1000
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Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,441
Likes: 5
From: Muskegon, MI (home)
I think by the time you were done converting a 99 and newer Super Duty axle over to make everything work on the 97 (including ditching those stupid unit bearings), you could have built two older D60s. Okay maybe not... but for what it's worth, I would just regear a D60 and be done with it. There is no mods necessary just bolt it in with factory parts.
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Painesville, Ohio
You're still looking at most of the same problems as above and then some. Plus you'll have to find a way to engage the axles because the dodge axle has a vacuum style actuator and not lock out's. There is a cable you can buy and run it into the cab, but it is still a pain.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,441
Likes: 5
From: Muskegon, MI (home)
Yes it could work, but again it would be more trouble than it's worth. You would have to cut all the control arm and coil spring mounts off and weld on leaf spring perches. Figure out how to crossbreed the steering linkage, track bar, brakes, etc. To add to that you are still dealing with the crappy unit bearing design hubs, not to mention those CAD (central axle disconnect) housings are weak... you would be better off with a TTB D50 IMO over the 94 and newer Dodge axle housing.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,792
Likes: 72
From: Richland, WA
Guess I'll keep looking. No hurry, my D50 hasn't fallen apart yet (Although it sounds like it may soon). Hopefully I'll find somone willing to part with a D60 for under 1000. 
