Dana 60, possible donor?

[Dominic]

Hi everyone, I was curious if this cheap Dana 60 I found on CL could be a decent candidate to modify to fit into a 69 RR? The only info it has is: "Dana 60 with 4.10 axle ratio from Dodge D200"... I saw some posts where people cut/customized these Dana 60s to fit into B bodies.

I currently have an 8 3/4 489 29 spline rear end w/ drum brakes and S/S springs. Would like to keep a drum brake setup. I'm just not sure what needs to be done exactly, any tips would be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Dodge 330]

Use housing ends either from an existing 8 3/4 or buy new from Dr. Diff. You can use the same brakes from the 8 3/4. I took mine to a local race shop, had a different ring and pinion installed and axle ends installed. I bought axles and a spool from Dr. Diff. It's a bit more work, but I got exactly what I wanted and have just over $900 total. I use Cal Tracs so no need for a snubber.

 

[R413]

Oh you did real good for that but I don’t think doing all that whole changeover for $900 is a common thing.

we just went over this, read here https://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/threads/dana-60.190382/#post-911522186

If your not sure what needs to be done that will cost money. Are the axle tubes the correct diameter? Did the guy who removed them damage the tubes? Is the ring and pinion good? Will it howl? Is it for sure a Dana 60 and not a 61, 70, or 80?

I’d recommend buying a new Strange S60 and going Forward from there with all new parts. And no frustrations and time wasted. You can use your drum brakes you already have.

Dr Diff has a great page on his site to check off the boxes of what you want it to be. It is a good reminder of all the things to consider when building one.

https://www.doctordiff.com/strange-60.html

 

[Hemirunner]

I’m doing one today... 4.10 gear out of a Ford truck. I’ve got new bearings, a spool to go in as well as a billet yoke. Using 8-3/4” housing ends. I paid $150 for it, $50 for the spool, had the housing ends, green bearings and yoke. I’ll probably order new Strange axles.

 

[dvw]

Axle tube diameter isn't that big a deal. The ends will still weld on. With leaf springs egg the spring plates and get the correct size U-bolts. The last 8 lugger I did still has the factory junkyard R&P, pinion bearings. New ends, perches, axles, side bearings, spool. Not including the core (in our case free), my free labor less than $700. Now if you add a new R&P and sure grip maybe $1400. Its been 1.38 60ft/9.55@142, 3750lbs using a trans brake.
Doug

 

[Hemirunner]

Axle tube diameter isn't that big a deal. The ends will still weld on. With leaf springs egg the spring plates and get the correct size U-bolts. The last 8 lugger I did still has the factory junkyard R&P, pinion bearings. New ends, perches, axles, side bearings, spool. Not including the core (in our case free), my free labor less than $700. Now if you add a new R&P and sure grip maybe $1400. Its been 1.38 60ft/9.55@142 , 3750lbs using a trans brake.
Doug

Did you weld the axle tubes to the center casting?

 

[5.7 hemi]

Read this.......
https://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/threads/shorten-dana-60.144581/

 

[dvw]

Did you weld the axle tubes to the center casting?

Yes, and braced the perches.
Doug

 

[RJRENTON]

Hi everyone, I was curious if this cheap Dana 60 I found on CL could be a decent candidate to modify to fit into a 69 RR? The only info it has is: "Dana 60 with 4.10 axle ratio from Dodge D200"... I saw some posts where people cut/customized these Dana 60s to fit into B bodies.

I currently have an 8 3/4 489 29 spline rear end w/ drum brakes and S/S springs. Would like to keep a drum brake setup. I'm just not sure what needs to be done exactly, any tips would be appreciated.
Thanks.

View attachment 945574

In the original #1 pix, Isn't the Dana 60 shown in the pix a truck rear assembly which appears to have a "full floating" setup where there the spindle and bearing assembly that supports the drum has a separate axle that passes thru the spindle and bearing assembly and drives thru the axle bolt flange. Is this kind still convertible to a car application? Just curious...
BOB RENTON

 

[Hemirunner]

In the original #1 pix, Isn't the Dana 60 shown in the pix a truck rear assembly which appears to have a "full floating" setup where there the spindle and bearing assembly that supports the drum has a separate axle that passes thru the spindle and bearing assembly and drives thru the axle bolt flange. Is this kind still convertible to a car application? Just curious...
BOB RENTON

Yes. The one I posted was also a floater setup with the hubs and axles removed. They’re easily converted as well.

 

[33 IMP]

In the original #1 pix, Isn't the Dana 60 shown in the pix a truck rear assembly which appears to have a "full floating" setup where there the spindle and bearing assembly that supports the drum has a separate axle that passes thru the spindle and bearing assembly and drives thru the axle bolt flange. Is this kind still convertible to a car application? Just curious...
BOB RENTON

Full floaters work fine. As part of the narrowing process, you cut off the truck ends and replace with pass car ends and custom axles, both available lots of places. Its just the typical time-and-effort vs money. Save a lot of money, do the work to convert a truck, or spend the money for a new custom piece that is exactly what you want.