Is a Dana 60 a 1 ton axle?
The Dana 60 is a heavy-duty axle commonly used in trucks and off-road vehicles, but it is not considered a true 1-ton axle. While the Dana 60 is a robust and capable axle, it falls somewhere between a 3/4-ton and 1-ton rating in terms of its load-carrying capacity.
Understanding the Dana 60 Axle
The Dana 60 is a solid axle design that was first introduced by the Dana Corporation in the 1960s. It is known for its rugged construction and ability to handle heavy loads, making it a popular choice for use in larger trucks, SUVs, and off-road vehicles. The Dana 60 features a larger ring gear and differential than the smaller Dana 44 axle, allowing it to support more weight and torque.
Axle Ratings and Capacities
Axle ratings are typically based on the maximum gross axle weight rating (GAWR), which is the maximum weight the axle is designed to support. A true 1-ton axle, such as the Dana 70 or Dana 80, is typically rated for a GAWR of around 6,000 to 7,000 pounds. In comparison, the Dana 60 is usually rated for a GAWR of around 4,500 to 5,500 pounds, depending on the specific model and configuration.
- Dana 60 GAWR: 4,500 to 5,500 pounds
- Dana 70/80 GAWR: 6,000 to 7,000 pounds
While the Dana 60 is a robust and capable axle, it is not considered a true 1-ton axle due to its lower GAWR rating compared to the larger Dana 70 and Dana 80 axles.
Applications and Usage
The Dana 60 is commonly found in a variety of heavy-duty vehicles, including:
- Pickup trucks (e.g., Ford F-250, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Ram 2500)
- SUVs (e.g., Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco)
- Off-road vehicles (e.g., Jeep CJ, Ford Bronco)
- Commercial trucks and vans
While the Dana 60 is not a true 1-ton axle, it is still a robust and capable component that can handle heavy loads and demanding off-road conditions. Its widespread use in various heavy-duty vehicles is a testament to its strength and reliability.
Is a 14-bolt a 1 ton axle?
First appearing in 1973, the 14-bolt is one of the most used rear axles in the General Motors stable. Found under ¾- and 1-ton GM trucks, vans and SUVs, the 14-bolt received a max torque rating of 6,242 pounds.
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).
Is a Dana 80 a 1-ton axle?
The Dana 80 has a GAWR up to 11,000 pounds (5,000 kg), however it is common practice among manufacturers to derate Dana 80's. Gross axle weight ratings are lowered by the vehicle manufacturer for safety and tire reasons.
Is a Dana 70 better than a Dana 60?
While a . 2″ difference in diameter between the Dana 60 and the Dana 70 doesn't seem like it would matter much, it matters a great deal. The torque rating for a stock Dana 70 axle shaft is 8966 ft/lbs, which is almost 50% stronger than the stock Dana 60 axle shaft, which has a rating of 6044 ft/lbs.
Is a Dana 60 a one ton axle?
The 1-ton Dana 60 front axle is arguably the most common axle ever swapped into the front of a 4x4, in both wrecking-yard and custom aftermarket varieties.
What is Dana 44 and Dana 60?
The Dana 44 is also a heavy axle, but it's significantly lighter than a Dana 60. The ring gear on the Dana 44 measures anywhere from 8.5 to 8.8 inches depending on the truck. The Dana 60, however, has a massive 9.75-inch ring gear no matter what truck it came out of.
What are Chevy 1-ton axles?
1-Ton Chevy Axles are strong durable axles used in a variety of GM applications. Like any automotive component, they will eventually wear out and require a rebuild or replacement.
Is a Dana 44 a 1-ton axle?
Front Dana 44 solid axle
The Dana 44 has seen use in 1/4-, 1/2-, 3/4-, and 1-ton rated trucks. The Dana 44 was manufactured in kingpin and ball joint variations, as well as closed and open knuckle variations.
Is a Dana 60 wider than a Dana 44?
Although the Dana 44 and Dana 60 differential covers look similar, their sizes are significantly different. The Dana 44 differential cover will measure about 9 1/2 inches wide and 10 1/2 inches tall, while the Dana 60 differential cover will measure about 11 1/4 inches wide and 12 inches tall.
What size axle is a Dana 60?
The front Dana 60 inner axle shafts are 1.5" in diameter and have 35 splines. The u-joints are considerably stronger than those in the D44 and the outer stub shafts can be upgraded to 1.5", 35-spline shafts. In short, the D60 was the ideal upgrade axle for the 45 truggy.
