Dana 61 axle tech needed! - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

Toy Junkie · 10-22-2010, 07:07 PM

bought what was supposed to be a front Dana 60 from a name i am not going to throw out yet (for a chance to redeem his name!), and turned out to be a Dana 61! I was told that you could swap all the carrier components from a Dana 60 to a 61 no problem and your good! Is this true? I need serious info about this! I have been told that a 61 can only go as low as 456 gears and it is complicated and pricey with extra parts!

Elwenil · 10-22-2010, 07:48 PM

http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/ft-54...60-61tech.html

MC · 10-22-2010, 08:21 PM

IIRC The 61 was the same as the 60 with just a carrier difference and a offset pinion. We just shortened one today 5"s.

postaldave · 10-22-2010, 08:41 PM

thought there was something about needing a gear spacer because of an offset or something? so to get into deeper gears you would need thick gears plus a spacer when regearing.

i'm claiming a

on this one.

Ho Shorts · 10-22-2010, 09:47 PM

EXACT same thing happened to a friend of mine. Bought an axle off EBAY that was listed as a Dana 60. Got it home and tore it down to find 3.08 gears, after doing ALOT of research if you want to go below 4.10 gears in a Dana 61 you need a carrier spacer that I could not find a good souce for. The pinion is caster farther over in the housing than the 60 due to this axle having such a high gear ratio and such a large pinion gear. If you can find a machine shop to make said spacer your golden. Otherwise you are left with tracking down the seller for some old school justice or trying to rip off some other poor soul to get you hard earned coin back on an oddball axle

dogbender · 10-23-2010, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toy Junkie

I have been told that a 61 can only go as low as 456 gears and it is complicated and pricey with extra parts!

I have 4.88's in mine.

fullsizetoy · 10-24-2010, 09:48 AM

So based on that tech the following should be true?!.

Dana 61 (currently 3.07)
replace carrier with 3.33 numerically higher Detroit Locker (correction 3.33-4.10)
4.10 or 4.56 gears (so I am guessing your could go num. higher with the 4.56+ Detroit)
and a 5/16" spacer (supposedly available from MR Gasket.)

Is that how you guys read it?

Thanks,
Is so the 61 will be going under the next build buggy.

clinta · 10-24-2010, 10:14 AM

If you paid 60 price then you should give the seller hell for it. If you got a screamin deal on it it is well worth it. I paid less than $200 for mine, and think the spacer and longer bolts were under $100 which is less than a 60 goes for. The 61f comes with stock 35 spline inners and they also have heavier and bigger tubes in them. I run 5.13s in mine with a detroit and a .5 inch spacer been hammering on this set up for 4 to 5 years and since I replaces the outers to 31 spline also I have no trouble. Now get out there and do some more research I found all the info to do mine with out having to ask for some one to do it for me!!

75dodgepowerwagon · 10-26-2010, 04:28 PM

Fuck dude.. I hate it for you..

I had my axle under my truck for 2 years and even tried to
give it away but couldnt do that cause it was a D61.

Here is what I know. It even may be a repeat of what a few
of above already said. I didnt read them all. But I did get it fixed.

The 61 comes from a diesel with 3.08 gears. The carrier is offset
to accomidate the thicker ring gear.

Easy fix? Ya right....LOL

Randys ring and pinions has the spacer you need. As a matter of
fact, I think I still have it somewheres in the garage, I dunno. You
can still get it from them.

OR

You can get the thicker carrier. Randys said it was no longer available
through them. I got lucky and found one off of ebay. I put 500 for it to make sure I would win it. Now I can use 3.54 to 4.10 dana gear sets.

I know for a fact that using the 4.56 carrier does not work with the 3.54 to 4.10 gear sets. The offroad shop said it wasnt even close.

If you need it asap, get the spacer. Other than that, try to find the
wider carrier..

EDIT

As a matter of fact, I just searched ebay right now. You have a
couple of options. I recommend you jump on them asap. I can
tell you not alot of stuff for the 61....

75

tworbotalon · 10-26-2010, 06:22 PM

I had the same thing happen to me, won axles on ebay, picked em up, got them home and then realized they were 3.08 geared. It wasn't really a big deal, I'm running a 4.56 OX locker with a 7/16's ring gear spacer I had machined locally. Works fine.

fullsizetoy · 10-26-2010, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tworbotalon

I had the same thing happen to me, won axles on ebay, picked em up, got them home and then realized they were 3.08 geared. It wasn't really a big deal, I'm running a 4.56 OX locker with a 7/16's ring gear spacer I had machined locally. Works fine.

Just to clairify are you running 4.56 gears, with a OX for 4.56 gears and a 7/16" spacer?

Thanks,

tworbotalon · 10-30-2010, 03:38 PM

Yes that is correct. 4.56 gears on a 4.56 carrier OX locker. 7/16" spacer gives me pretty even shims on both sides of the carrier, but I don't remember exactly how much. A standard shim kit was enough to make it right.

Elwenil · 10-30-2010, 03:45 PM

Decent thread on the D61 going on in Gen4x4 right now:

/forum/general-4x4-discussion/928266-dana-61-ring-gear-spacer-there-renewed-need.html

Kac · 11-09-2010, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tworbotalon

I had the same thing happen to me, won axles on ebay, picked em up, got them home and then realized they were 3.08 geared. It wasn't really a big deal, I'm running a 4.56 OX locker with a 7/16's ring gear spacer I had machined locally. Works fine.

Did you need the 7/16 spacer because of the dana60 Ox Locker?
I hear 5/16 is fine to use for the open case..i want to run 6.17's in mine..or should i make it 3/8?
thanks

THE HANS · 02-20-2011, 11:10 PM

Is it possible that u picked up the axle from the guys shop? possible he was un aware it was a 61 not a 60? did u not do ur research on the numbers? or read right on the front diff where it sasy 60 or 61? i sold a axle to a local guy who talked shit to a bunch or people for selling him a 61 that i thought was a 60... not to mention he got it for 450$ ... he had no issues talkin smack to everyone in town, but never came back to talk to me, i would have been happy to buy it back... are u possibly this guy?

therabbittree · 06-14-2011, 05:14 PM

lots of buyers are looking for the 61's.... you can sell em on 1stgen.org or the TDR turbodieselregister.com , dieseltruckresource.com web sites for cummins dodges. etc... I run them in my truck and always looking for a extra set.

10-22-2010, 07:07 PM	#1 (permalink)
Toy Junkie Newbie Join Date: Nov 2006 Member # 83034 Location: Chico, CA Posts: 82	Dana 61 axle tech needed! bought what was supposed to be a front Dana 60 from a name i am not going to throw out yet (for a chance to redeem his name!), and turned out to be a Dana 61! I was told that you could swap all the carrier components from a Dana 60 to a 61 no problem and your good! Is this true? I need serious info about this! I have been told that a 61 can only go as low as 456 gears and it is complicated and pricey with extra parts!

10-22-2010, 07:48 PM	#2 (permalink)
Elwenil Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Member # 41063 Location: Covington, VA Posts: 5,789	http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/ft-54...60-61tech.html __________________ 1988 Dodge AW450 Ramcharger - 318TBI - NP435 - NP205 - D60s

10-22-2010, 08:21 PM	#3 (permalink)
MC Pirate4x4 Addict! Join Date: Aug 2003 Member # 21997 Location: Insane CNC machine mfg Posts: 5,274	IIRC The 61 was the same as the 60 with just a carrier difference and a offset pinion. We just shortened one today 5"s. __________________ Industrial Quality CNC machines at a Hobby Price! USA Quality is job #1 We build CNC plasma tables, click me .................................................. ......... American Motors Engine HERE!! 1-651-257-7917

10-22-2010, 08:41 PM	#4 (permalink)
postaldave Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Member # 151427 Location: Kenfucky Posts: 262	thought there was something about needing a gear spacer because of an offset or something? so to get into deeper gears you would need thick gears plus a spacer when regearing. i'm claiming a on this one. __________________ 77 fj40 tube buggy [url]http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=955735&highlight=[/url]

10-24-2010, 09:48 AM	#7 (permalink)
fullsizetoy Earl Dibbles Jr. Join Date: Aug 2002 Member # 13126 Location: Shingle Springs, CA Posts: 1,060	So based on that tech the following should be true?!. Dana 61 (currently 3.07) replace carrier with 3.33 numerically higher Detroit Locker (correction 3.33-4.10) 4.10 or 4.56 gears (so I am guessing your could go num. higher with the 4.56+ Detroit) and a 5/16" spacer (supposedly available from MR Gasket.) Is that how you guys read it? Thanks, Is so the 61 will be going under the next build buggy. __________________ Trade for Chevy D44 Fr Alloy shafts, FF 14 bolt detroit or simaler locker, Dana 44 Hight steer arms, air shocks or coil overs Last edited by fullsizetoy; 10-25-2010 at 06:33 AM.

10-22-2010, 09:47 PM	#5 (permalink)
Ho Shorts Rock God Join Date: Feb 2008 Member # 109328 Location: Maryville, TN Posts: 1,563	EXACT same thing happened to a friend of mine. Bought an axle off EBAY that was listed as a Dana 60. Got it home and tore it down to find 3.08 gears, after doing ALOT of research if you want to go below 4.10 gears in a Dana 61 you need a carrier spacer that I could not find a good souce for. The pinion is caster farther over in the housing than the 60 due to this axle having such a high gear ratio and such a large pinion gear. If you can find a machine shop to make said spacer your golden. Otherwise you are left with tracking down the seller for some old school justice or trying to rip off some other poor soul to get you hard earned coin back on an oddball axle

10-24-2010, 10:14 AM	#8 (permalink)
clinta Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Member # 138287 Location: Deaver,Wyoming Posts: 498	If you paid 60 price then you should give the seller hell for it. If you got a screamin deal on it it is well worth it. I paid less than $200 for mine, and think the spacer and longer bolts were under $100 which is less than a 60 goes for. The 61f comes with stock 35 spline inners and they also have heavier and bigger tubes in them. I run 5.13s in mine with a detroit and a .5 inch spacer been hammering on this set up for 4 to 5 years and since I replaces the outers to 31 spline also I have no trouble. Now get out there and do some more research I found all the info to do mine with out having to ask for some one to do it for me!! __________________ "Got Gas"

10-26-2010, 04:28 PM	#9 (permalink)
75dodgepowerwagon Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Member # 167080 Posts: 27	Fuck dude.. I hate it for you.. I had my axle under my truck for 2 years and even tried to give it away but couldnt do that cause it was a D61. Here is what I know. It even may be a repeat of what a few of above already said. I didnt read them all. But I did get it fixed. The 61 comes from a diesel with 3.08 gears. The carrier is offset to accomidate the thicker ring gear. Easy fix? Ya right....LOL Randys ring and pinions has the spacer you need. As a matter of fact, I think I still have it somewheres in the garage, I dunno. You can still get it from them. OR You can get the thicker carrier. Randys said it was no longer available through them. I got lucky and found one off of ebay. I put 500 for it to make sure I would win it. Now I can use 3.54 to 4.10 dana gear sets. I know for a fact that using the 4.56 carrier does not work with the 3.54 to 4.10 gear sets. The offroad shop said it wasnt even close. If you need it asap, get the spacer. Other than that, try to find the wider carrier.. EDIT As a matter of fact, I just searched ebay right now. You have a couple of options. I recommend you jump on them asap. I can tell you not alot of stuff for the 61.... 75 __________________ 75 Powrwagn 440/727/np205 60s, 79 Powrwagn 360/727/np208 60s, 75 Powrwagn 440/727/np203 60/44 Last edited by 75dodgepowerwagon; 10-26-2010 at 04:32 PM.

10-26-2010, 06:22 PM	#10 (permalink)
tworbotalon Newbie Join Date: Oct 2008 Member # 121996 Location: Cleveburg OH Posts: 76	I had the same thing happen to me, won axles on ebay, picked em up, got them home and then realized they were 3.08 geared. It wasn't really a big deal, I'm running a 4.56 OX locker with a 7/16's ring gear spacer I had machined locally. Works fine. __________________ It should take milliseconds.

10-30-2010, 03:38 PM	#12 (permalink)
tworbotalon Newbie Join Date: Oct 2008 Member # 121996 Location: Cleveburg OH Posts: 76	Yes that is correct. 4.56 gears on a 4.56 carrier OX locker. 7/16" spacer gives me pretty even shims on both sides of the carrier, but I don't remember exactly how much. A standard shim kit was enough to make it right. __________________ It should take milliseconds.

10-30-2010, 03:45 PM	#13 (permalink)
Elwenil Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Member # 41063 Location: Covington, VA Posts: 5,789	Decent thread on the D61 going on in Gen4x4 right now: /forum/general-4x4-discussion/928266-dana-61-ring-gear-spacer-there-renewed-need.html __________________ 1988 Dodge AW450 Ramcharger - 318TBI - NP435 - NP205 - D60s

02-20-2011, 11:10 PM	#15 (permalink)
THE HANS Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Member # 13313 Location: in the middle of b.f.e above paradise,ca Posts: 3,199	Is it possible that u picked up the axle from the guys shop? possible he was un aware it was a 61 not a 60? did u not do ur research on the numbers? or read right on the front diff where it sasy 60 or 61? i sold a axle to a local guy who talked shit to a bunch or people for selling him a 61 that i thought was a 60... not to mention he got it for 450$ ... he had no issues talkin smack to everyone in town, but never came back to talk to me, i would have been happy to buy it back... are u possibly this guy? __________________ I LIKE TO PARTY ECV 7-11

06-14-2011, 05:14 PM	#16 (permalink)
therabbittree Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Member # 101343 Location: LaGrangeville NY Posts: 78	lots of buyers are looking for the 61's.... you can sell em on 1stgen.org or the TDR turbodieselregister.com , dieseltruckresource.com web sites for cummins dodges. etc... I run them in my truck and always looking for a extra set. __________________ 2000 Excursion 4x4, 12V Cummins,G56 6 spd, 1992 Dodge W350 SRW Dump flatbed, cummins, 5spd.

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