Are Ford and Dodge Dana 60 the same?
No, the Ford and Dodge Dana 60 axles are not the same. While they share some similarities, there are key differences between the two heavy-duty axle designs.
Differences Between Ford and Dodge Dana 60 Axles
The Ford and Dodge Dana 60 axles are both robust, heavy-duty axle designs commonly used in trucks and off-road vehicles. However, they have distinct differences in their specifications and applications:
- Bolt Pattern: The Ford Dana 60 has a 8-lug bolt pattern, while the Dodge Dana 60 has a 10-lug pattern. This means the wheel hubs and mounting points are not interchangeable between the two.
- Ring Gear Size: The Ford Dana 60 typically has a 9.75-inch ring gear, while the Dodge Dana 60 has a 10.5-inch ring gear. This affects the overall strength and load capacity of the axle.
- Differential: The Ford Dana 60 uses a standard open differential, while the Dodge Dana 60 is more commonly found with a limited-slip or locking differential for improved traction.
- Applications: The Ford Dana 60 is commonly used in F-250 and F-350 Super Duty trucks, as well as some Bronco and Excursion models. The Dodge Dana 60 is found in Ram 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty trucks, as well as some Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models.
While the Ford and Dodge Dana 60 axles share the same basic design and many interchangeable components, the differences in their specifications and applications mean they are not directly compatible with each other.
Similarities Between Ford and Dodge Dana 60 Axles
Despite the differences, the Ford and Dodge Dana 60 axles do share some similarities:
- Robust Design: Both axles are known for their heavy-duty, rugged construction, making them well-suited for towing, hauling, and off-road use.
- Availability of Aftermarket Parts: Due to their widespread use, there is a large aftermarket support for both the Ford and Dodge Dana 60 axles, with a wide range of upgrade and replacement parts available.
- Reputation for Durability: Both the Ford and Dodge Dana 60 axles have a reputation for being long-lasting and able to withstand high loads and demanding conditions.
In summary, while the Ford and Dodge Dana 60 axles share some similarities, they are distinct designs with key differences in their specifications and applications. Understanding these differences is important when selecting the right axle for your vehicle and its intended use.
Are all Dana 60 axles the same?
There are three major variations of the Dana 60 axle used in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s: Dana 60 axles on the GMC, Chevy, and Jeep are all basically the same. Dodge and Ford Dana 60 axles are different.
When did Dana buy Spicer?
By 1914, the Spicer Company was struggling with financial difficulties. Attorney and financier Charles Dana invested in the company shortly after, assuming the role of president in 1916. The Spicer Company relocated to Toledo, Ohio, in 1928 and became the Dana Corporation in 1946.
Does Ford use Dana axles?
The Dana/Spicer Model 50 was an automotive axle manufactured by the Dana Holding Corporation for 25 years and was used solely in OEM Ford applications. Dana 50's were made as front axles only until it was revived in rear solid axle configuration in the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor.
How big of tires can a Dana 60 handle?
A modern Dana 60 front axle comes stuffed with much stronger 1.5-inch-diameter, 35-spline axleshafts (center), which can safely handle 37-to-44-inch tires.
Is a Dana 60 stronger than a Ford 9 inch?
The Ford 9-inch pinion is mounted lower in the carrier and has the greatest hypoid offset, which causes it to consume more power to drive it than the Dana 60 or GM 12-bolt. The Dana 60 has so much mass it too consumes a lot of power to drive (although many say it feels slightly less than a 9-inch Ford).
Who manufactures Dana 60?
The Dana/Spicer Model 60 is an automotive axle manufactured by Dana Holding Corporation and used in OEM pickup and limited passenger car applications by Chevrolet, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ford and Land Rover. There are front and rear versions of the Dana 60.
What year did Dodge stop using Dana axles?
Dodge used the axle selectively in class 2 trucks from 1994 to 2002. Ford has made use of the axle in class 4 trucks until 2005 when the Dana S 110 was phased in.
What years did Ford use the Dana 60 front axle?
DANA 60 / 248mm
Dana 60 front axles have been used in FORD F-250 and F-350 4x4 trucks since the mid 70's. In 2000 Ford F-450 and F-550 4x4 models also used the Dana 60 front axles and starting in 2005 the F-450 and F-550 had the Super 60 front axles.
How do I tell what Dana 60 I have?
Stamped Number on the Axle
To figure out exactly what axle you have, you can look for the Dana stamped bill of materials number. This stamped number can usually be found on the righthand side or on the longer axletube on the same side of the tube as the differential cover, facing the rear of the truck.
Does Ram use Dana axles?
"The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX is an extremely capable on- and-off-road vehicle and we are proud to have been selected to provide our Dana 60 AdvanTEK axles to support its power and strength." The new axles will be assembled at Dana's facility in Dry Ridge, Kentucky.
