How do I know which Dana 60 I have?
The Dana 60 is a popular and durable axle used in many off-road and heavy-duty vehicles. However, there are several different versions of the Dana 60, each with their own unique characteristics. Knowing which specific Dana 60 you have is important for selecting the right parts and accessories. Here's how you can identify your Dana 60 axle.
Inspect the Casting Numbers
The easiest way to identify your Dana 60 is to look for the casting numbers on the axle housing. These numbers are typically stamped or cast into the metal and can provide key details about the axle. Some common Dana 60 casting numbers include:
- D60-1 - This is the standard Dana 60 axle, often found in Jeep Wranglers and other off-road vehicles.
- D60-2 - This is the Dana 60 "Super 60" version, which has a larger ring gear and is commonly used in heavy-duty trucks and SUVs.
- D60-3 - This is the Dana 60 "High Pinion" version, which has the pinion gear positioned higher in the housing for increased ground clearance.
Once you've identified the casting number, you can research the specific details and features of that Dana 60 model.
Measure the Axle Tube Diameter
Another way to identify your Dana 60 is to measure the diameter of the axle tubes. The standard Dana 60 has 3.5-inch diameter tubes, while the Dana 60 "Super 60" has 4-inch diameter tubes.
To measure the tube diameter, simply use a caliper or ruler to measure the outside diameter of the axle tube near the center of the housing.
Check the Differential Cover
The differential cover on the Dana 60 can also provide clues about the specific model. The standard Dana 60 typically has a round differential cover, while the "Super 60" version often has a more rectangular cover.
Additionally, the Dana 60 "High Pinion" model may have a slightly different differential cover shape or mounting pattern compared to the standard Dana 60.
By inspecting the casting numbers, measuring the axle tube diameter, and examining the differential cover, you can accurately identify the specific Dana 60 axle in your vehicle. This information will be crucial when sourcing replacement parts or upgrading your Dana 60 for off-road use.
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.
What's the difference between a Dana 60 and a Dana Super 60?
The Dana Super 60 is an upgraded version of the Dana 60 axle. Differences in the Dana Super 60 versus the regular Dana 60: Larger and thicker diameter steel tubes (3.75 inches diameter and ½ in thick) Larger ring and pinion which increase the contact area and overall strength.
What size 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.
How do I tell which Dana 60 I have?
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. These axles are all exactly the same.
- If there are 4 bolts, then you have either a Dodge or Ford Dana 60 axle. These two axles are not identical.
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).
How much does a Dana 60 weight compared to a 14 bolt?
The typical 14 bolt axle weighs about 550 pounds. Since there are many different variations of Dana 60 and 70 axles, we can't give those axles a certain weight. However, a rear Dana 60 axle usually weighs about 400 pounds, a front Dana 60 will weigh about 500 lbs, and the Dana 70 is similar in weight to the 14 bolt.
How much weight can a Dana 60 handle?
The newest OE kingpin Dana 60s have a gross axle weight rating (GAWR) of as little as 3,660 pounds, while a modern ball-joint Dana 60 has a GAWR of nearly double that. Not only are OE kingpin knuckles weaker, they are more expensive and more difficult to service than ball-joint knuckles.
How do I identify what rear end I have?
If the ID tag or stamp is missing or unreadable, differentials can be identified by the number of cover bolts, the distinctive shape of the cover, the number of ring gear bolts, and ring gear diameter. They can also be identified by whether the center section is an integral or dropout design.
How do you identify a Dana differential?
The most accurate differential identification is provided by the bottom line of the tag number or axle tube stamp. Differential tags can easily be used to identify Dana and Ford differentials.
What is the strongest rear end?
What Makes the 9-inch Ford Rearend So Great? From the archives: Legendary tech guru Marlan Davis explains why the 9-inch Ford is the strongest rearend out there—it's all due to “hypoid distance.”
