What vehicles have a Dana 60 front axle?
The Dana 60 front axle is renowned for its strength and durability, making it a popular choice for heavy-duty trucks and off-road vehicles. In this article, we will explore the various vehicles that are equipped with the Dana 60 front axle, highlighting its applications and benefits.
Overview of the Dana 60 Front Axle
The Dana 60 front axle is a robust axle assembly that is often used in vehicles requiring enhanced performance and load-bearing capabilities. It is particularly favored in off-road and heavy-duty applications due to its ability to withstand significant stress and torque.
Vehicles Equipped with Dana 60 Front Axles
Several manufacturers have utilized the Dana 60 front axle in their vehicles, particularly in the truck and SUV segments. Here are some notable examples:
- Ford Super Duty Trucks: Many models of Ford's Super Duty series, including the F-250 and F-350, have been equipped with the Dana 60 front axle, especially in configurations designed for towing and heavy loads.
- Dodge Ram Trucks: The Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 models have also featured the Dana 60 front axle, providing enhanced durability for off-road and heavy-duty use.
- Chevrolet and GMC Trucks: Certain models of Chevrolet and GMC heavy-duty trucks, particularly the 2500 and 3500 series, have been known to use the Dana 60 front axle.
- Jeep Vehicles: Some Jeep models, particularly those modified for off-road use, may also utilize the Dana 60 front axle for improved performance in rugged terrains.
Benefits of the Dana 60 Front Axle
The Dana 60 front axle offers several advantages that make it a preferred choice for many vehicle manufacturers:
- Strength: The Dana 60 is designed to handle high torque loads, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications.
- Versatility: It can be found in a variety of vehicles, from trucks to SUVs, and is often used in off-road modifications.
- Aftermarket Support: There is a wide range of aftermarket parts available for the Dana 60, allowing for customization and upgrades.
Conclusion
In summary, the Dana 60 front axle is a robust and versatile component found in various heavy-duty trucks and off-road vehicles. Its strength and reliability make it a popular choice among manufacturers and enthusiasts alike. Whether you're towing heavy loads or navigating challenging terrains, vehicles equipped with the Dana 60 front axle are built to perform.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a Dana 60 front axle?
Many Dana axles have the model ID cast into the fins or centersection. Look for a "44" or "60" cast into the reinforcement ribs. The number can usually be found on the lower right side rib below the differential cover, but it may also be found on other ribs or on top of the main cast structure.
What trucks use Dana 60?
- 1964–1977 Chevrolet and GMC 3/4-ton pickups.
- 1975–1987 Chevrolet and GMC 1-ton pickups and Suburbans.
- 1979–2012 Chevrolet and GMC 1-ton vans.
- 2002–2005 Chevrolet and GMC 1/2 + 3/4 Ton pickups and Suburbans with Quadrasteer.
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).
What Dodge trucks have Dana 60 axles?
For the 1994-2002 model years, Dodge only used Dana 60 full-floating rear axles in most Ram 2500 trucks with gasoline V6 or V8 engines.
What years did the Dana 60 have a front axle?
Ford used Dana Super 60 Front Driving Axles in 2005-2016 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.
What vehicle comes with a Dana 60 front axle?
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.
Is a Ford Dana 60 the same as a Chevy Dana 60?
There are three major variations of the Dana 60 axle used in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s: Dana 60 axles on the GMC, Chevy, and Jeep are all basically the same. Dodge and Ford Dana 60 axles are different.
Do 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.
Are Ford and Dodge Dana 60 the same?
Dodge Dana 60s have an axle disconnect, which is considered a weaker and more complex axleshaft design. The split in the housing to accommodate the axle disconnect assembly is also considered weaker than the traditional one-piece axletube found on modern Ford Dana 60 axles.
What is the strongest GM rear end?
When the 12-bolt rearend is properly assembled, it's the strongest passenger-vehicle rearend Chevy ever produced. GM engineers designed the 12-bolt to be a durable piece that could handle the torque output of its big displacement engines.
