'76 Low pinion Dana60 frontend...info?

[chilly460]

Awhile back, I bought a low pinion D60 out of a crewcab truck. From doing some research, I know it has the weak 30spl inner and 19spl outer axleshafts...

Does anyone know if I can just use standard D44 axles in this frontend? I'm running 38.5s, so I figured if I could just install aftermarket D44 shafts that it would be plenty stout....

Thanks!

[strong_like_tractor]

No you can't use 44 shafts in a 60:flipoff2:

Have you looked a Billavista's 60page?

Oh ya Welcome Newbie:flipoff2: :flipoff2:

[chilly460]

I did check out the D60 page...

As this is an "undesirable" axle...there wasn't much info about it. I just figured if it ran D44 size axles, they may be interchangeable.

[AZFord4x4]

I'm just going to go on some assumptions here... this may be incorrect, but also may be worth looking into.
This is also assuming you have an open knuckle, if it's closed knuckle I wouldn't use it for much other than a boat anchor personally.

As far as I know, you should be able to replace the smaller shafts with the standard 35/30 spline, or even 35/35 spline if you go with custom length shafts, which is sounds like you plan on spending the $$$ on aftermarket anyway. You'd also have to change either the spider gears or get the correct spline locker & hubs. I'm not sure if that year axle matches shaft lengths with the newer ones, in fact I doubt it, but it might be worth looking into.
I would not goto 44 shafts, even if they may work because even with the smaller shafts in your 60, you still have the larger axle u-joint (once again, if it's open knuckle.) you may even be able to get someone to cut you alloy 30/19 shafts with the larger u-joints if the larger splined shafts don't work out.

most of this is just brainstorming, & stuff for you to check out... just possibilities that may help ya out.

As a side note, I'd be curious to see the hubs on your axle if you can get some pics, I've never seen a 19 spline 60 hub/slug. I've never had the chance to check out one of those axles first hand, I just know they exist.

[chilly460]

Good thoughts on the axles....I will call around and see what I can find out if axles can be made for it.

I'll get pics of the hubs tomorrow...amazingly enough Warn still had these hubs on the shelf.

[chilly460]

Took awhile, but here is a hub pic...

http://www.fordmuscle.com/pics/chilly460_hub.jpg

[AZFord4x4]

oh
those are external like older dodges... interesting.
I'll still probably never see one anywhere though, as rare as they are.

[chilly460]

Just as an FYI...found out from Steve at diffengineering.com that 35spl setup is available for these orphan axles....

[Mr.N]

I'll have to find my Dana book. Once you find the lenght of the Dana 60 shafts check out my article, as I list most of the straight axle Dana 44 lengths. I think the 60 has unique outer shafts.