What Ford trucks have Dana 60 front axles?
Ford has used Dana 60 front axles on a select group of its trucks and SUVs, primarily in heavy‑duty or high‑performance configurations. The exact years and trims vary by model, so not every version of these vehicles, or every production year, carries a Dana 60 front axle.
In general, the Dana 60 front axle is a heavy‑duty component favored for strength in 3/4‑ton and 1‑ton applications, and it has appeared in a few notable Ford offerings beyond the standard light‑duty lineup. This article highlights the models most commonly associated with the Dana 60 front axle and explains how you can verify whether a specific truck has it.
Core Ford models historically associated with Dana 60 front axles
The following Ford models are the most widely documented for using a Dana 60 front axle in certain years, trims, or configurations. Always verify on a per‑vehicle basis, as axle choices can vary by option packages, market, and production year.
F-Series Super Duty pickups (4x4 configurations)
Ford’s heavy‑duty F‑Series, including the F‑250 and F‑350 in 4x4 form, have commonly used Dana Spicer 60 front axles in several generations. These axles were chosen to handle higher payloads and tougher terrains, especially in off‑road or work‑truck applications. Exact front‑axle configurations can differ by year and trim, with some models using alternate front axles (such as Dana 50) in certain years.
Ford Excursion
The Excursion, a large SUV based on the F‑250/350 Super Duty platform, often carried a Dana 60 front axle in 4x4 variants. This setup supported the vehicle’s heavy‑duty utility and off‑road capability in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
F-150 SVT Raptor (early generations)
The high‑performance off‑road variant of the F‑150, known as the SVT Raptor, employed a robust front axle that in its early generations was associated with Dana Spicer technology. The Raptor’s front axle contributed to its off‑road capability and durability, though later model years saw evolving configurations that varied by generation.
How to verify if a specific Ford truck has a Dana 60 front axle
To determine whether a particular Ford truck uses a Dana 60 front axle, you should check the axle identification directly on the vehicle and corroborate with official documentation.
- Inspect the differential housing for a Dana 60 marking or stamp (often reads "Dana Spicer 60" or "D60").
- Look at the axle tag on the passenger‑side of the differential, which may list the axle model code or indicate Dana 60. The code can require a reference to a Ford or Dana Spicer axle code guide.
- Decode the vehicle’s VIN or build sheet (window sticker, Ford’s VIN decoder, or third‑party databases) to confirm the axle option and model code for the front axle.
Knowing the exact production year, trim, and package is essential, because Ford offered multiple front‑axle options across the same model line. If you’re shopping, bring the vehicle’s VIN to a dealer or use a reputable online VIN decoder to verify the front axle specification.
Fringe cases and other notes
Beyond the core models listed above, some Ford trucks in 3/4‑ton to 1‑ton ranges or specialized upfits have employed Dana 60 front axles, particularly for off‑road or heavy‑haul applications. The presence of a Dana 60 can therefore appear in limited production runs, dealer upfits, or aftermarket conversions. Always confirm with the vehicle’s build data rather than relying on model year alone.
- Some commercial or upfitted Ford trucks may use Dana 60 front axles in limited configurations or markets.
- Conversion programs or specialty builds can swap in Dana 60 front axles even when the stock configuration uses a different front axle.
Verification through the axle housing stamp, axle tag, or VIN/build data remains the most reliable method to confirm a Dana 60 front axle on any given Ford truck.
Summary
In Ford’s lineup, Dana 60 front axles are most strongly associated with select heavy‑duty and high‑performance models, notably certain F‑Series Super Duty 4x4 pickups, the Excursion SUV, and the F‑150 SVT Raptor from its early‑generation runs. However, axle choices vary by year, trim, and factory option, so precise confirmation for a specific vehicle requires checking the axle stamping, model code, or build data. If you’re evaluating a truck for off‑road capability, payload, or axle strength, verify the front axle directly to ensure it matches your needs.
