Okay, of course I find and buy the first d60 rear that has the width that I want and it has 16 spline axles. Sooo, how expensive is it to convert this rear to 35 spline (maybe even just 30), and what exactly will this conversion include. Of course it will take new axles, carrier, spindles... anything else? Do I need new hubs too? Are the spindles press fit? .... Or did I already fock myself.

I appreciate the info, Caleb

The damn thing is locked somehow to-not sure the type though, how long could I hope the 16 spline axles to hold?:(
383-but only 35s for a while

Measure the ID of the spindles. If they are less than 1.5 inches you will need to bore them out. Is your 60 full floating, I assume? Then just get the spindles bored out, and buy a new set of axles from Randy's, Duchman, Moser, etc., and slide em into your new 35 spline locker.

Are the spindles the same outside diameters (same bearings/spindle nuts) for all d60s? I am not sure there is enough material to bore them out to 1.5 without significantly weakening them.
Otherwise it seems like an easy fix, just a little pricey.

Hey! who wants to swap there tiny 35 fine spline axles for my big beefy 16 spline units:D

Can I go easy and expect these to last for a while? My cash is going to the d60 front and I want to get this thing driveable before I upgrade what already works.

:p Caleb

Originally posted by calileo
Okay, of course I find and buy the first d60 rear that has the width that I want and it has 16 spline axles. Sooo, how expensive is it to convert this rear to 35 spline (maybe even just 30), and what exactly will this conversion include. Of course it will take new axles, carrier, spindles... anything else? Do I need new hubs too? Are the spindles press fit? .... Or did I already fock myself.

I appreciate the info, Caleb

The damn thing is locked somehow to-not sure the type though, how long could I hope the 16 spline axles to hold?:(
383-but only 35s for a while

Unless you can do your own machining or have a buddy that could, I think going with a different axle might be cheaper and easier than getting your spindles bored which includes cutting the spindles off, boring to 1.5, and rewelding spindles back on the tubes which also means you need alignment jigs to keep everything straight.

OR you can graft 14bolt spindles on you d60 tubes and forget about boring the spindles but you still need alignment jigs.

OR you can get one of those spindle boring jigs that uses an endmill type cutter that you turn with a 1/2" hand drill but they are very $$$ and takes a lot of pushing.

OR you can get a 14 bolt and cut the bottom off and plate it and be done with it.

I shortened my rear 60 so boring the spindles was just another few minuets in the lathe.

hth rich

I think you are better off hocking the 16 spline and getting a 14 bolt.....

What width are you looking for?

I am going to narrow the long side of a dana 60 for the front, so I want a rear to match width-approx. 64-65 inches WMS-WMS. I already checked out the local salvage yards for rear possibilities and this is the best that was available cause I didn't want to mess with shortening the rear. I have an anemic budget which is quickly diminishing. I will be satisfied with what I have until I can get this baby moving under its own power again. Then I'll have to dig through the couch and see what I can come up with. 35 splines are in my future, but until then I'll just have to pack a few spare axles.
It kinda sounds like 35 spline 60s are hard to find anyway. And if I can't get the 35s I may as well have 16, it's not like the 30s are that much stronger. So I may as well stick to what I have rather than find another 60 that still needs to be converted to 35 spline, or find a 14b (not a problem) and shorten it (pain in the ass-radiated from the wallet).

Caleb

Cab and Chassis Chevy trucks have 64" D60's.....just a target to look for.

You need to find yourself a 14 bolt with dually hubs. They are about 63-64 wms-wms. You can tell they are the narrow ones by looking at the hub. It will stick noticably further out from the wheel than the single wheel hubs which are about 67 wms.

If you do a search there have been pics posted on the general board showing the dually hubs.

HTH