Take a look, please

[MikeS.]

I'm buying this FrankenBurb, 63 body on a late 70s 4x4 frame, with an 87 454 motor and a Turbo350.

PO says it has a Dana 60 front axle, the pics, on ebay, I can't seem to copy over to here.

I don't see anyway to lock the front axles. What can you tell meabout these Dana 60s? It's a 1 ton frame and running gear, if that matters.

[MikeS.]

A non manual locking hub? Ok, I understand the concept, my Tacoma 4x4 has this, turn a dial for 4x4. My previous 4x4s, both mid 60s Chevy had Warn hubs.
From ebay;
Q: Do you have a picture of the front axle, Dana 44 or Dana 60 ?? Dave
A: I am unsure...i would have to believe it would be a Dana 60 simply because it is a 1 ton chassis,and it does not have manual locking hubs and axle bolts are exposed in center of hub... but i will get some more pics on as...

[MikeS.]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1336627205

This is the truck, you kinda see the front hub.

I guess what I really want to know is, how do you lock in the front axles when you decide to 4x4?

[snj8198]

There is a big difference between the two, big enough to affect price. Get more pics Mike, you'll want to know for sure what you're dealing with.

[MikeS.]

Could you elaborate on the differences or why it matters?

Is a Dana 60 better than a 44? Is non manual hubs a problem?

I'll get back with the current owner and see what I can get.

[Mr-Jack]

dana 60 is stronger, and i'd personally want manual locking hubs...easier to work on and get parts for when they break...and they will eventually. Nice looking truck, but if you're paying for it, you should be entitled to any and all the information you request

[mud.man.rj]

So by the look of it from what I can see is a full time front diff without hubs, have seen them before and installed a manual hub kit to unlock.

[MikeS.]

Originally Posted by mud.man.rj

So by the look of it from what I can see is a full time front diff without hubs, have seen them before and installed a manual hub kit to unlock.

So the T case is engaged when you want it to be but the axles are always locked in?

If so I will be installing manual hubs PDQ. Thanks

[MikeS.]

Originally Posted by Mr-Jack

dana 60 is stronger, and i'd personally want manual locking hubs...easier to work on and get parts for when they break...and they will eventually. Nice looking truck, but if you're paying for it, you should be entitled to any and all the information you request

I totally agree, unfortunately the current owner had to goto Fla because of a death in the family. He won't be back until late next week. He lives in Il and I'm 700 miles away in WVa.

Thanks for the info.

[mud.man.rj]

Ya the way it is now the front diff is always turning in 2wd or 4wd. So a lot worse for fuel economy, hubs will help, the way it is you wouldn't ever have to get out and lock in the hubs though, haha.

[MikeS.]

Ok, here is a pic of what the front axle on "my" Burb looks like.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=238144

post #2 in that thread.

[Beersnob]

If you're not going to do any serious offroading, you may want to consider selling that Dana 60. To the right person, they can be worth upwards of $1200-$1500 for the axle alone. Then you can run a Dana 44 up front and not have any issues. I can't see a link or pictures, but it sounds like it has drive slugs on it, which may be a sign that someone has done some work to the axle as well.

Either way, it's one heck of a score to find a truck with a Dana 60 front that someone is willing to part with.

Edit: Yep, those are drive slugs and from looking at the picture, it appears that it's a Dana 60. The hub size is a good indicator. The Dana 60s hub is about 4" in diameter.

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by Beersnob

If you're not going to do any serious offroading, you may want to consider selling that Dana 60. To the right person, they can be worth upwards of $1200-$1500 for the axle alone. Then you can run a Dana 44 up front and not have any issues. I can't see a link or pictures, but it sounds like it has drive slugs on it, which may be a sign that someone has done some work to the axle as well.

Either way, it's one heck of a score to find a truck with a Dana 60 front that someone is willing to part with.

Edit: Yep, those are drive slugs and from looking at the picture, it appears that it's a Dana 60. The hub size is a good indicator. The Dana 60s hub is about 4" in diameter.

i agree and one that is that cool not an everyday find!

[ERASER5]

Mikes, small thing but that is usually called a Panel, nit a burb. There are lots more burbs than Panels. You scored big! Just saying "I have planel" will turn a lot of heads.

I'm a tad bit jealouse. That Panel is way cool!

[MikeS.]

Originally Posted by ERASER5

Mikes, small thing but that is usually called a Panel, nit a burb. There are lots more burbs than Panels. You scored big! Just saying "I have planel" will turn a lot of heads.

I'm a tad bit jealouse. That Panel is way cool!

Thanks, it was billed as a Suburban in the ad. I had sorta learned the difference since I've been spending time here.

Are they the same vehicle? Windows or not making the big difference?

[special-K]

Originally Posted by MikeS.

Ok, here is a pic of what the front axle on "my" Burb looks like.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=238144

post #2 in that thread.

So,you bought it? NICE!! What you are looking at is the standard design. I mean,locking hubs were an after thought solution to "unlock" the wheels so they could free-wheel on the spindle like a 2wd. Then,the factory started offering them as an option. Locking hubs are actually unlocking hubs. Without them,when t-case is in 2 HI,the wheels are spinning the axle shafts,differential,drive shaft,and a little bit of the t-case. lockout hubs were created to safe wear & tear and improve fuel consumption. You'll just need to get some lockout hubs (that's what I call them. As it is now you'll have shift on the fly from 2 HI to 4 HI. That frame must have been shortened if it's on a K/30 frame. Those Panels are short beds and there were no short bed K/30s. Leave the axle in there. Why mess with a good thing?

[MikeS.]

Interesting, thanks for the info Beersnob. No, I sure don't plan on doing any serious offroading. But neither am I setup to do an axle swap. Points, plugs, oil, ya know, the easy usual stuff.

[MikeS.]

Thanks neighbor,well kinda neighbor. I'm a bit South of Hagerstown.

[mud.man.rj]

I would probably just leave it alone, especially if it isn't a daily driver, why spend $300 for a set of hubs to save a bit of fuel, take a while to get the $300 back in fuel ecomomy. Plus just more work.

[special-K]

Originally Posted by MikeS.

Thanks neighbor,well kinda neighbor. I'm a bit South of Hagerstown.

Where y'at...Falling Waters? The hubs save more than gas. In fact,back when they were conceived there was little concern over gas savings in a truck. When fuel was less than $.30 a gallon it just didn't rack up like it does now. The purpose is to save wear and tear on the drive train that turns when it's not used. It also creates drag which has the effect of robbing power. Lock out hubs make sense on anything that's street driven.

[Mr-Jack]

saw one of those at the parts store the other day in town when i was picking up my fuel pump...was in a hurry, so didn't stick around to bench race with the owner. super clean lifted mildly on 33's on 3/4 ton axles. very nice find.

[MikeS.]

I'm still waiting on the seller to get back from Fla. Hopefully I can take possession next week, probably late next week.

[special-K]

Suburbans had the option of cargo doors or lift gate/tailgate and Panels only came with cargo doors,is another difference.