How to build a custom front dana 60 ?

[tylerdurden]

I have done numberous searches but can not find any good info about building a home built front axle. My superban project is going along slowly but surly.
I got a rear axle from a 02' 2500HD (single wheel). I say dana 60 but it is really a corporate 14 bolt axle, with 4:10s. I was thinking that if I could cut the axle tube on the passenger side down to 8 1/2" and then weld the remaining tube to the driver side. To make 27 1/2" with a collar to add more strength. I say this so as to stay with in buget. The only other questions are how do the inner seals work and do the tubes need to be lath down to fit the steering ends? I came across some artices about the tubes being lath down, but did not give spec. on size. The tubes on this axle are 3.5 inches and .470 thick wall ( if I remember correctly) Theres a whole kit on ORD website, without any pics. Any help would be appreiated.

[N2TRUX]

I think you will get a better response in the 4x4 forum. I'll move this over there for ya.

[tallhoedude]

what are you trying to gain?
avove just a std 60 or even rockwells?

[cobinder]

What are you wanting to do, move the pumpkin over for driveshaft alignment?

This article is a few years old. But you won't find a more indepth one.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...V60/index.html

[onlyifihadachevy]

I have read about a steering 14 bolt but, i think in the end he said it would have been cheaper to buy a used d60, because you would need inner c's, knuckles, everything and you can get a used 60 for less than a 1000 if you find it in time and they normally sell for about 1100, and think of the cost of machining and welding the cs on. Search on pirate4x4, the general dissucion.

[1969 GMC]

Originally Posted by onlyifihadachevy

I have read about a steering 14 bolt but, i think in the end he said it would have been cheaper to buy a used d60, because you would need inner c's, knuckles, everything and you can get a used 60 for less than a 1000 if you find it in time and they normally sell for about 1100, and think of the cost of machining and welding the cs on. Search on pirate4x4, the general dissucion.

x2

so you start with the 14 bolt out of a newer truck (they aren't even as good as the older 14 bolts that have 3 pinion bearings), then you have to buy tube or reuse what you have, then there are the c's, knuckles, steering arms, and you have to machine the tube inside the diff to fit seals, tie rod, etc. you'd be money ahead to just run a used D60 front, and if that isn't big enough it is time for rockwells.

[onlyifihadachevy]

rockwells are 750 + shipping for a steering and 450 + shipping for a nonsteering from 406 yj at pirate4x4, From my understanding if you have clearance the pinions in the right spot.

[duallyjams]

The show xtreme 4x4 did a 14b front axle.

[ghettoluxury]

Originally Posted by duallyjams

The show xtreme 4x4 did a 14b front axle.

With a huge budget

[tallhoedude]

Originally Posted by onlyifihadachevy

rockwells are 750 + shipping for a steering and 450 + shipping for a nonsteering from 406 yj at pirate4x4, From my understanding if you have clearance the pinions in the right spot.

rockwells can be flipped for left side or rt side pinion,can flip knuckles or chunks.

[tallhoedude]

Originally Posted by onlyifihadachevy

rockwells are 750 + shipping for a steering and 450 + shipping for a nonsteering from 406 yj at pirate4x4, From my understanding if you have clearance the pinions in the right spot.

there are better prices out there too.

[onlyifihadachevy]

he said the fronts are normally a little more because of the style but the rears are about 250 but he jacked up the rear to make up for the fronts which most people get to fronts, I woud get 2 fronts and bolt it so the tires stay straight until i get full hydro.