Do I have a Dana 60 or 70?
If you're unsure whether your vehicle has a Dana 60 or Dana 70 axle, don't worry - it's a common question. The Dana 60 and Dana 70 are both heavy-duty axle designs used in a variety of trucks and off-road vehicles, but there are some key differences between the two. In this article, we'll provide a detailed explanation to help you determine which axle you have.
What is a Dana 60 Axle?
The Dana 60 is a robust, full-floating axle design that was first introduced in the 1960s. It's known for its exceptional strength and durability, making it a popular choice for heavy-duty applications such as large trucks, Jeeps, and other off-road vehicles. The Dana 60 features a larger ring gear and differential case compared to the Dana 35 or Dana 44 axles, allowing it to handle higher torque loads. The Dana 60 is typically found in vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 8,500 lbs or more.
What is a Dana 70 Axle?
The Dana 70 is another heavy-duty axle design, similar in many ways to the Dana 60. It was introduced shortly after the Dana 60 and is often used in even larger and more powerful vehicles. The Dana 70 is typically found in vehicles with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs or more. Like the Dana 60, the Dana 70 features a larger ring gear and differential case, allowing it to handle even higher torque loads than the Dana 60.
How to Determine Your Axle Type
Determining whether you have a Dana 60 or Dana 70 axle can be done through a few simple steps:
- Locate the axle housing: Look underneath your vehicle and find the rear axle housing. This is where the differential and ring gear are located.
- Measure the ring gear diameter: Use a tape measure or caliper to measure the diameter of the ring gear. A Dana 60 will have a ring gear diameter of approximately 10.5 inches, while a Dana 70 will have a ring gear diameter of approximately 11.5 inches.
- Check the vehicle's GVWR: Refer to your vehicle's documentation or manufacturer information to find the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). As mentioned earlier, a Dana 60 is typically found in vehicles with a GVWR of 8,500 lbs or more, while a Dana 70 is typically found in vehicles with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs or more.
By following these steps, you should be able to determine whether your vehicle has a Dana 60 or Dana 70 axle. If you're still unsure, consult a professional mechanic or refer to your vehicle's service manual for more specific information.
How do I know what size my differential is?
Once your differential is disassembled and its parts removed, it's time to measure your ring gear to determine its diameter. Simply measure from the widest point of the gear, tooth tip to tooth tip Pinion nut size is another parameter that can be used to identify the diff.
How to identify a Dana Super 60?
Each axle is built with a Bill of Material (BOM) Tag affixed to the differential cover by two cover bolts. These axles will also have a white data decal on the right axle beam that shows the BOM number, Ford axle code, and the date the axle was built.
What is the difference between Dana 60 and 70 cover?
It can be very difficult to tell a Dana 60 from a Dana 70, as they have nearly identical covers with exactly the same bolt pattern. One way to tell if you have a Dana 60 or Dana 70 is to measure the cover flange height (yellow arrow). The Dana 60 flange height is approximately 1" high.
How do I know if I have a Dana 60 or 70?
Luckily, it's pretty easy to tell which axle you have. The original factory axles in a Full Float Dana 60 always have 30 splines or less. If you pull an axle shaft out of your Dana and it has 33 or 35 splines, then you probably have a Dana 70.
How to tell the difference between Dana 60 and 70 rear axle?
The Dana 60 and Dana 70 are two heavy-duty variants in the Dana axle line, and are typically found in 3/4 ton and 1 ton pickup trucks. The Dana 60 has a 9.75″ ring gear, while Dana 70 has a 10.5″ ring gear.
What trucks use Dana 60?
The Dana 60, a heavier-duty axle than the Dana 44, was first used in the 1950s. It was the axle of choice under countless Dodge, Ford, GM, Studebaker, IH and Jeep 3/4-ton and 1-ton fullsize trucks, as well as Ramchargers and Trail Dusters with the 440ci V-8, and some heavy-duty 1/2-ton Ford and IH trucks.
How do I identify my axle?
Your nine-digit axle serial number is etched into the axle tube near the center on the rear side. PROTIP: If the axle is older, try rubbing a piece of chalk over the number to help bring out the engraving better.
How to identify Dana 70 axle?
It can be identified by its straight axle tubes, 10 bolt asymmetrical cover, and a "70" cast in to the housing, which is visually similar to the Dana 60. The majority of the Dana 70s are rear axles, however Dana 70 front axles do exist. Both front and rear axle variations were first offered in 1957.
How to tell the difference between a Dana 60 and a Dana 70?
The Dana 60 has a 9.75″ ring gear, while Dana 70 has a 10.5″ ring gear. The variety of Dana 60 and Dana 70 applications is confusing: Dana 60 axles are available in front and rear fitments; Dana 70s are more likely to be rear, but front axle Dana 70 axles exist (International used them, as did Dodge for a time)
How do I tell what Dana differential I have?
The Bill of Material (BOM) number is used to identify Dana differentials. The BOM will identify the model number, the gear ratio, the type of differential, and all component parts. Traditional BOM's are 6 digits followed by 1 or 2 digits and start with the numbers 60 or 61.
