[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by special-K

It could be a Dana 60 6-lug. I don't believe I've ever known of one as late as a '71 that had a Dana 60. They are rare to find,so maybe there were 5-lus and I've just never come across one. I want one,too! Eventually I'm going to get a kit from www.markwilliams.com to convert a 3/4t coil rear.
If it's a Dana 44,that's a cool little detail to be different. But,in reality,they are about dead even with the 12-bolt for strength...no real advantage

Research indicates just looking @ the covers it's hard to distinguish the two since the bolt pattern is similar (which is why I think it's a 44 & not a 60 like my buddies source indicates).

My research shows the 44's to have a 8.5" ring gears; the 60's have 9.5" ring gears so a definite difference/advantage. He purchased a big brake kit for a 12bolt so he can't use the rear. I'm just trying to determine what it actually is. I looked @ the SPID label & didn't see anything special concerning the rearend codes. I tried to take a pic of it but the glare wouldn't allow a quality pic.