How do I know if I have a Dana 60 front axle?
The Dana 60 is a heavy-duty front axle commonly found in larger trucks, SUVs, and off-road vehicles. Knowing whether your vehicle has a Dana 60 front axle can be important for maintenance, upgrades, and understanding its capabilities. Here's how you can identify if your vehicle has a Dana 60 front axle.
Visual Inspection
One of the easiest ways to identify a Dana 60 front axle is by a visual inspection. Look for the following characteristics:
- Size: The Dana 60 is a large, heavy-duty axle, typically measuring around 9 inches in diameter.
- Differential Cover: The differential cover on a Dana 60 is usually round and large, often measuring around 12 inches in diameter.
- Axle Tubes: The axle tubes on a Dana 60 are thick and substantial, usually around 3.5 inches in diameter.
- Brake Components: Dana 60 axles often use large, heavy-duty brake components, such as disc brakes with 11-inch or larger rotors.
If the front axle on your vehicle matches these visual characteristics, it's likely a Dana 60.
Checking the Axle Identification Tag
Another way to confirm if you have a Dana 60 front axle is to check the identification tag on the axle housing. This tag will typically display the Dana 60 model number, such as "D60" or "60".
Consulting Vehicle Documentation
If you're still unsure, you can consult your vehicle's owner's manual or other documentation to see if it specifies the front axle model. Many manufacturers will list the axle type, including whether it's a Dana 60.
Knowing the type of front axle on your vehicle can be helpful for maintenance, upgrades, and understanding its capabilities. By following these steps, you can confidently identify if you have a Dana 60 front axle.
How to tell if you have a Dana 60 front axle?
First, you want to the number of bolts are holding the drum backing plate onto the axle. If there are 7 bolts, then you have a GMC/Chevy or Jeep Dana 60 axle.
What vehicles have a Dana 60 front axle?
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.
What years did the Dana 60 have a front axle?
Ford uses Dana Super 60 Front Driving Axles in 2005 and newer F250, F350, F450, and F550 Super Duty 4x4 trucks. Each axle is built with a Bill of Material (BOM) Tag affixed to the differential cover by two cover bolts.
How to tell the difference between Dana 44 and 60?
The Dana 60 axle will typically have larger brakes as well. If all else fails there should be a model number somewhere on the center section. Generally speaking, it's on the bottom right of the center section. This will tell you if it's a Dana 44 or a Dana 60.
