So what does everyone think about swapping a dodge 60 into the front of my F150. The planned tires are 42" Iroks on H2s or 2003+ dodge wheels.

Pros-

-CHEAP compared to a 79-79 hp60
-33 spline outers
-width is very close to 70"
-easy to find parts for, and there are just going to be more as time goes by.
-no large hubs to stick out past the wheels I want to run.

Cons-

-30 or 32 spline inners
-uni-bearing hubs ( but they last under heavy ass diesels )
-CAD 2pc shaft
-ball-joint vs king-pin thing
-low pinion

So lets see.

If I am going to buy a locker a 35 spline one isn't more expensive. Add a pair of 35 spline inner shafts. Might be able to get the steering linkage to work, or at least part of it. C-bushings are the same for both. I only run about 3" of lift so the low pinion shouldn't matter too much.

Questions...

Would the CAD stuff get in the way of the c-bushing wedges?

Anyone done this swap?

Steering?

my only suggestion, is if its cheap go for it. Otherwise save a few more dollars for a better 60. You'll thank your self later. The unit hubs are NOT cheap and tend to fail on trail rigs.

FWIW the CAD stuff wont be in the way.

i agree save the extra and go for the 60's it will pan out alot better

There a manual hub conversion that's been talked about several time on here before that will replace the unit bearings with warn premiums and give you 35 spline outers as well as one piece axle on the pass side for about $800I think. You get new hubs and rotors to. I may be wrong about the price - sure you could find it if you search.

The crappy unit bearings on newer rangers are like $280 each I imagine it will close on the dodges. And they hold up on street rigs with stock tires, but once you start beating them offroad with 42's you will replace enough to go buy a nice hp60. You dont have to run a '78 or '79 d60, the mid '80s to early '90s ford d60s were kingpin as well.

Thanks for the input.

I found one guy on another forum that did the swap, seemed happy with it. I am waiting to hear back on a few things from him.

All in all the truck this is going into isn't a hardcore rig. Its more of a do everything woods truck, parts hauler, fun truck. It doesn't need to be the ultimate. It just needs to do the job. Its been on 36s for more than a decade.

So. I think the dodge 60 just might be a good answer for this application. Sure, the kingpin high pinion stuff is stronger, but the dodge 60 is a pretty good increase in strength over the 44....ok...maybe not that big?

Anyways. I am going to keep my eyes open for one....if the price is good enough.....