How much heavier is a 70? How much heavier duty is it than a 60? (let's say standard 78/79 ford 60) I think I may have a line on one off a dodge, and was wondering what's the pros and cons of it. I realize it's a closed knuckle, but what's the chances I'll break a u-joint? The axle would be going under we diesel, which is stock setup with a 44hd, and I've rarely heard of people having trouble with the stock axle, so I think I'd be okay. This is not a really extreme off road rig, just a sort of trail rig. I'm probably not going to run more than 35's or 38's on it, if that. I would assume a 70 would be stronger than a 60, but what's the drawback? BTW, I already know the diff is on the wrong side. I'm build a custom divorced t-case / reducer / overdrive setup, so I can work around that.
~John

Drum brakes on the 70. Other than that they are about the same other than the 70's that came with the 35 spline stub axles and the dodge should have them. Depending on the year it might have tractor joints not ujoints. Do a search for tractor joints if you don't know what they look like.

So basically, a 35 spline D60 is just as strong, and has disks.;)

And the D70 has this odd 10bolt pattern... Go for D60!

10 years ago our work trucks were F superduty's converted to 4x4 using a open knuckle 70 , yes they were dually hubbed and I can only imagine they were from a Dodge as was the NP205 . These axles were tough as hell , great brakes , low maintenence . Our trucks wheighed approx 6k on the front axle , truck was beat to hell , jumped , axle hopped , tires bound in rocks ect. NO Breakage! . Not saying they are bulletproof by any means but they sure are close . Stay away from the closed knuckle 70 , they are junk and a totally different animal .

If its cheap enough, but it & slowly build up parts for it to convert to open knuckle using D60 parts. Itll be fun, but only if its cheap enough.

Aparently the open knuckle 70 is actualy a 70 center section with 60 outer parts. Basically, a 35 spline 60, but with a heavier center and tube. I think a 60 would be easier, but for my application, bigger would be better. Also, given that it does use a 60 outer, I would think you could use standard 60 8-lug hubs, but I'm not sure.
~John

Wrong on one point, the D70 open knuckles used larger C-knuckles that are no longer avail but there are the aftermarkets avail that are stronger & more trick & $$$. But using standard D60F spindles the bearing hubs are compatible, prolly even easier to go ford outer knuckle since those bearing hubs are plentiful & cheaper.

He would have to get Ford stub axles or space out the bearing hub and cut some off the stock stub.

DO DA 60