What year do Fords have a Dana 60 front axle?

The Dana 60 front axle appears most often on Ford’s heavy‑duty 3/4‑ton and 1‑ton trucks and certain large SUVs from the 1970s through the 1990s. In modern Ford heavy‑duty trucks, a Dana/Spicer 60 front axle is commonly used as well, but exact availability depends on year, model, and market.

The question of when Ford fans can expect a Dana 60 front axle is nuanced. The axle is a specific heavy‑duty design built by Dana (Spicer) and Ford used it on particular configurations and generations. Below is a breakdown of the historical usage, how to identify a Dana 60, and how today’s trucks relate to that lineage.

Historical window: which Ford trucks used the Dana 60

Scope and caveats

Before the list, note that the Dana 60 was not standard on every Ford pickup. It was predominantly found on heavier configurations (3/4‑ton and 1‑ton) and on certain SUVs/vans during chosen generations. Exact year-by-year availability varied by market and option packages.

• Ford F‑250/F‑350 4x4 pickups: the Dana 60 front axle was widely used on many 3/4‑ton and 1‑ton 4x4 configurations through the late 1970s into the 1990s.


• Heavy‑duty SUVs and vans (where offered in 1‑ton configurations): some Ford models in the 1980s–1990s used Dana 60 variants in appropriate heavy‑duty setups, though not universally across every trim line.

Concluding paragraph: The Dana 60’s presence on Ford trucks is tied to heavy‑duty intentions rather than the mainstream light‑duty lineup. For a precise year, check the vehicle’s axle stamping or the final assembly specification for that truck.

How to tell if your Ford has a Dana 60

Before the list: identifying a Dana 60 requires looking for specific markings, tags, or physical traits that distinguish the 60 from other Dana front axles (like the 44 or 50).

• Look for “Dana” or “Spicer” cast into the front differential cover or pumpkin, with a model number that includes “60.”


• Check the axle tag or stamping on the axle housing for a designation such as “D60” or “60” in the axle model field.


• Count the lug pattern and measure width: many Dana 60 front axles used on 3/4‑ton/1‑ton Ford trucks have eight lug studs in stock configurations; patterns can vary by year and market.


• Refer to the VIN-derived build sheet or the window sticker/dossier for the axle specification if you have access to the vehicle’s official documentation.

Concluding paragraph: Once you locate the markings or the axle code, you can confirm whether you’re looking at a Dana 60 and compare it to known specs (ring gear size, pinion arrangement, and hub style) to verify the exact variant.

What about today? Dana 60s in Ford’s current lineup

Before the list: here’s how modern Ford heavy‑duty trucks relate to the classic Dana 60 lineage.

• Modern Ford Super Duty (F‑250/350) pickups and chassis with heavy‑duty configurations commonly use a Dana/Spicer 60 front axle variant or a close family member, depending on model year and equipment group.


• There are alternative front‑axle options (such as Sterling 10.25 or other Spicer 60 derivatives) in certain markets or trims; the exact choice is year and spec dependent.

Concluding paragraph: For contemporary Ford HD models, the Dana 60 lineage persists as part of the Spicer/ Dana family, but the precise front‑axle assembly can vary by year, market, and option package. Always verify the axle model tag when planning parts, swaps, or restorations.

Bottom line and practical tips

Identifying a Dana 60 on a Ford vehicle involves looking for the Dana/Spicer branding and the distinctive “60” designation on the axle cover or tags, and cross‑checking with official build information. The axle’s historical use is concentrated on heavy‑duty 3/4‑ton and 1‑ton Ford trucks from the 1970s through the 1990s, with continued relevance in modern Super Duty configurations via Dana/Spicer 60 variants.

Summary

Ford’s Dana 60 front axle is most closely associated with heavy‑duty F‑Series trucks (notably 3/4‑ton and 1‑ton models) from the 1970s through the 1990s. In later years, Ford’s heavy‑duty lineup continued to rely on Dana/Spicer 60 front axles in many configurations, though exact specifications vary by year and market. Identifying a Dana 60 hinges on axle casting marks, model codes, and official documentation.

What front axle is in a 2006 F250?

Fitment: Replacement for 2005-2014 Ford F-250 Super Duty (Dana 60 AXLE)

What Ford trucks came with a Dana 60 front axle?

• 1974–1979 F-250 (optional)
• 1999–2011 F-250 (optional)
• 1979, 1986-2011 F-350 (optional)
• 2000–2004 F-450/F-550.
• 2011-2016 F-250/F-350.
• 2017-2024 F-250/F-350.

How do I tell if I have a Dana 60 front axle?

You can identify a Dana 60 front axle by looking for a "60" cast into the housing, an asymmetrical 10-bolt cover, and straight axle tubes. For more specific details like gear ratio, check for the Bill of Materials (BOM) number, which is stamped on a tag on the cover or on the right-side axle tube.
 
Visual identifiers

• "60" casting: Look for the number "60" cast directly into the axle housing or differential cover. 
• 10-bolt cover: The differential cover is held on by 10 bolts and has an asymmetrical shape. 
• Straight axle tubes: A Dana 60 has straight axle tubes, not curved ones. 
• High-pinion design: Some versions have a high-pinion design, with the driveshaft entering the top of the differential. 
• Kingpin knuckles: Older models have kingpin knuckles, which are identifiable by a four-bolt cap on top of the knuckle. 

This video demonstrates how to identify a Dana 60 by its kingpin knuckles: 56sIanYouTube · May 11, 2012
Identification using the BOM number 

• Location: The Bill of Materials (BOM) number is stamped on a small metal tag attached to the differential cover with two bolts. It may also be found stamped on the front side of the right axle tube. 
• Format: The BOM number is typically a 6 or 7 digit number, often starting with '6' or '60' for older axles, followed by a dash number (e.g., 610604-2). 
• What it tells you: This number provides the specific configuration of your axle, including the gear ratio, differential type, and spline count. You can use this number to look up your axle's exact specifications online. 

When did Ford stop using King Pin Dana 60?

Ford and Chevy stopped in 1991. However, We still love building them!