Dana 60 1/2 ton rearend - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

71Bowties · 02-01-2010, 10:27 AM

I found a 70 2wd, lwb, bbc, 4sp with a Dana 60 rear using truck arms. I think it was a Camper Special.

Has anyone seen one of these before?

Willys47 · 02-01-2010, 10:40 AM

Is it a full floating 8 lug ?

71Bowties · 02-01-2010, 10:43 AM

No, thats the weird part. It's 6 lug (which seems strange coming off of a two-wheel drive) and it not a full floater.

PJsthnam · 02-04-2010, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willys47

Is it a full floating 8 lug ?

Sorry guys, i'm just trying to get educated. What does "full floating" mean?

LONGHAIR · 02-17-2010, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PJsthnam

Sorry guys, i'm just trying to get educated. What does "full floating" mean?

The actual difference has to do with what supports the weight of the vehicle.
In a "semi floating" axle, the drum and wheel are attched to a flange on the end of the axle itself. The axle holds the weight and drives the wheel.

In a "full floating" rear end, the drum is connected to a hub that is mounted to a spindle, which is very much like the front axle of a 4x4. This spindle/hub combination holds the weight of the vehicle and the axle just provides the drive. You can litterally remove the axle w/o jacking the wheel off of the ground.

teeitup · 02-01-2010, 11:36 AM

I parted out a original 67 gmc 1/2 2wd, had a 351 V6 and a automatic and a dana 60 rear

71Bowties · 02-01-2010, 11:50 AM

Now that sounds like a strange setup to run across there now. I ended up buying that Dana rearend and another C10 frame with truck arms to make the conversion on my GMC leafer. I just thought is was a cool "stock" type rearend and hell for stout too.

I did notice that you have to order different panyard bar bushings if it has a bb/4sp combo. I wonder if there is a difference in the bar itself, the mounting stud, or just the bushings?

Jacfourteen · 02-01-2010, 03:10 PM

There are some trucks with the semi-floating Dana 60, I think they were called heavy half ton or something like that. I would love to find one of these for a leaf truck, but they are pretty hard to find. I'm planning on changing from 3/4 to 1/2 and I figured that I would like to keep some of the strength of 3/4 rear. I'll prolly end up going with a semi-floating 14 bolt because they are pretty common in newer trucks.

ERASER5 · 02-01-2010, 03:52 PM

I found mine at Tim Christian's place. D60, 6 lug, semi float, 3.55 gears, limited slip. I used a drive shaft from a 3/4 ton with a D60 full float to get the heavy duty U-joints.

71Bowties · 02-01-2010, 04:35 PM

It sure seems like you don't see too many of those anymore. Isn't there a guy who sells disc brake brackets? I wonder if he makes them for the D60?

Willys47 · 02-02-2010, 12:27 AM

get some pic for us well me. I would like to see what the axle tubs and brakes look like.

71Bowties · 02-02-2010, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willys47

get some pic for us well me. I would like to see what the axle tubs and brakes look like.

I will get some pictures this weekend after I have a chance to sandblast and clean it up a little. The brakes actually look kinda small on that thing.

Willys47 · 02-15-2010, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71Bowties

I will get some pictures this weekend after I have a chance to sandblast and clean it up a little. The brakes actually look kinda small on that thing.

I know hurry up and wait but I keep getting emails about responces on this thread and think I'll finaly get to see what these rare difs look like close up

**special-K** · 02-02-2010, 12:48 AM

I`ve been looking for a`70 1/2t trailing armDana60 for a long time.You lucked out.

71Bowties · 02-02-2010, 10:11 AM

Me too. I put together a nice little 383 for this truck and I am really glad I found that rearend for peace of mind quality.

Longhorn Man · 02-02-2010, 06:03 PM

(a camper special is a ford)

71Bowties · 02-02-2010, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

(a camper special is a ford)

Whoops

capev86 · 02-03-2010, 06:49 PM

67-70 1/2 ton 2wd's were 6 lug and then they went to 5 when they added disc brakes on the front. i'd get the complete brake system from a 2000 or newer 1/2 ton (they are 6 lug) gm truck and get 4 wheel disc brakes.

as for the chassis.....they probably decided the big block needed the dana for more strength, especially if it was intended for heavy hauling. the 3/4 ton trucks have a much beefier panhard (track) bar and use bigger bushings. the trailing arm bushings are the same size regardless and the trailing arms just have a little exta plate welded on to beef them up for 3/4 ton applications. i installed poly bushings for the panhard bar from CPP on my 72 burb 3/4 ton burb but haven't gotten the trailing arm bushings swapped out yet. the basic design of these trucks is great, they just need a few tweaks to tighten them up (hence poly instead of rubber).

71Bowties · 02-04-2010, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capev86

67-70 1/2 ton 2wd's were 6 lug and then they went to 5 when they added disc brakes on the front. i'd get the complete brake system from a 2000 or newer 1/2 ton (they are 6 lug) gm truck and get 4 wheel disc brakes.

as for the chassis.....they probably decided the big block needed the dana for more strength, especially if it was intended for heavy hauling. the 3/4 ton trucks have a much beefier panhard (track) bar and use bigger bushings. the trailing arm bushings are the same size regardless and the trailing arms just have a little exta plate welded on to beef them up for 3/4 ton applications. i installed poly bushings for the panhard bar from CPP on my 72 burb 3/4 ton burb but haven't gotten the trailing arm bushings swapped out yet. the basic design of these trucks is great, they just need a few tweaks to tighten them up (hence poly instead of rubber).

I noticed that there were bigger panyard bar bushings for it. Unfortunately, I was not able to get the trailing arms that came with it as the original owner is still running them. Just have to come up with my own bracing for them. This particular rearend has broke axle which just enforces my wanting for aftermarket axles. This would also allow me to have 5" x 5 pattern to match the front. I was going to check today on the for sale adds here to get some disc brake cause I heard there is a member that fabs them. Also gonna try and find some brackets for the rearend housing to adapt a 3rd gen camaro rear sway bar too.

You gotta love these trucks and a guys ability to mix and match different GM parts.

basemodel67 · 02-04-2010, 01:53 PM

I am interested to see if you are able to get aftermarket axleshafts for this rearend. I'm trying to find one... but if there's no parts available, I might just stick with my stocker

And post pics to make me jealous.

71Bowties · 02-04-2010, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by basemodel67

I am interested to see if you are able to get aftermarket axleshafts for this rearend. I'm trying to find one... but if there's no parts available, I might just stick with my stocker

And post pics to make me jealous.

I put a call into Moser this week and they will make me a set with 5" on 5 pattern and 35 splines to fit in the stock housing. I think they are going to run around $350/pr though. At least that will give me the option to go with a high hp motor with a 5 speed or even a tranny brake if I want to. Should take the worry out of it....

Longhorn Man · 02-04-2010, 02:32 PM

another dana with a shattered axle shaft. They aren't as strong as ppl think. I've yet to see a 12 bolt in a truck with a shattered shaft.
Why swap?

71Bowties · 02-04-2010, 07:46 PM

I agree with Longhorn Man, I have broken a couple of differentials, but not an axle. I am looking for the something different kinda thing with my project is why the D60 holds value to me. I also have been looking for any excuse to get rid of the leaf sprung suspension and I love the truck arm suspension.

I will have a completely rebuilt 12 bolt with 4.10's, rebuilt GM posi w/400# springs & new clutches, brakes and all new bearings and seals coming up for sale soon too.

**Dieselwrencher** · 02-04-2010, 10:21 PM

Full floating means it has a hub with 2 bearings and a semi floater just has a bearing on the axle and basically a flange for the drum and wheel to attatch to. The semi float rear ends do not have a hub.

PJsthnam · 02-04-2010, 11:02 PM

Thank you....

02-01-2010, 10:27 AM	#1
71Bowties Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Montrose. Colorado Posts: 58	Dana 60 1/2 ton rearend I found a 70 2wd, lwb, bbc, 4sp with a Dana 60 rear using truck arms. I think it was a Camper Special. Has anyone seen one of these before? __________________ 71 GMC C15 swb 71 K5 Blazer 72 K10 Woodhauler 89 Suburban 13 Duramax

02-01-2010, 10:40 AM	#2
Willys47 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Nanaimo B.C. Posts: 604	Re: Dana 60 1/2 ton rearend Is it a full floating 8 lug ? __________________ I was hooked on these trucks since 1982 when I drove my budys fathers 1968 Custum GMC 396 automatic dana 60 rear with a power lock diff what a ride more fun then we will we can ever tell!!

02-01-2010, 10:43 AM	#3
71Bowties Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Montrose. Colorado Posts: 58	Re: Dana 60 1/2 ton rearend No, thats the weird part. It's 6 lug (which seems strange coming off of a two-wheel drive) and it not a full floater. __________________ 71 GMC C15 swb 71 K5 Blazer 72 K10 Woodhauler 89 Suburban 13 Duramax

02-01-2010, 11:36 AM	#6
teeitup Just like to part out trucks!! Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Meriden, Ks-North of Topeka 10 miles Posts: 27,396	Re: Dana 60 1/2 ton rearend I parted out a original 67 gmc 1/2 2wd, had a 351 V6 and a automatic and a dana 60 rear __________________ 67 Chev swb stepside 4x4 283 4 speed SOLD 72 blazer 4x4 4 speed Cheyenne 72 GMC swb 4x4 fleet 4 speed, original paint 1958 Cameo (one of 1405 built, it was my dads) 2020 chevy Apex 4x4 crew cab 1969 Z28 with the 302 1980 chevy swb 4x4 1964 chevell Malibu SS 1976 K20, sold new originally out of my dads chevy dealership Members that I've met, over 200 probably closer to 300 in the 12 years I've been on this site, everyone I met "It was a pleasure" Last edited by teeitup; 02-01-2010 at 11:37 AM.

02-01-2010, 11:50 AM	#7
71Bowties Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Montrose. Colorado Posts: 58	Re: Dana 60 1/2 ton rearend Now that sounds like a strange setup to run across there now. I ended up buying that Dana rearend and another C10 frame with truck arms to make the conversion on my GMC leafer. I just thought is was a cool "stock" type rearend and hell for stout too. I did notice that you have to order different panyard bar bushings if it has a bb/4sp combo. I wonder if there is a difference in the bar itself, the mounting stud, or just the bushings? __________________ 71 GMC C15 swb 71 K5 Blazer 72 K10 Woodhauler 89 Suburban 13 Duramax

02-01-2010, 03:10 PM	#8
Jacfourteen Big Red - Now its a SWB! Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oroville, Ca Posts: 1,624	Re: Dana 60 1/2 ton rearend There are some trucks with the semi-floating Dana 60, I think they were called heavy half ton or something like that. I would love to find one of these for a leaf truck, but they are pretty hard to find. I'm planning on changing from 3/4 to 1/2 and I figured that I would like to keep some of the strength of 3/4 rear. I'll prolly end up going with a semi-floating 14 bolt because they are pretty common in newer trucks. __________________ 68 3/4 ton (Project)-350 Small Block, .030 over, 10:1 comp, 3998993 heads, C3BX edelbrock intake, comp cams XE268, Holley 670 SA, long tube headers, dual flow 40's, E-fan, Alum rad, currently under the knife getting shortened and bagged build thread 41 3/4 ton (wife's)-flatbed, fully restored to original 01 Tahoe LT 4WD (my daily driver)-Magnaflow Muffler, Rollin on 22's 02 Ford Mustang Convertable (Wife's Car)-Flowmaster 50, Clear corners, Intake, sittin on 18's

02-01-2010, 03:52 PM	#9
ERASER5 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 4,859	Re: Dana 60 1/2 ton rearend I found mine at Tim Christian's place. D60, 6 lug, semi float, 3.55 gears, limited slip. I used a drive shaft from a 3/4 ton with a D60 full float to get the heavy duty U-joints. __________________ '70 GMC C1500 LWB Power disc brakes. WooHoo! Posi 6 Lug Dana 60

02-01-2010, 04:35 PM	#10
71Bowties Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Montrose. Colorado Posts: 58	Re: Dana 60 1/2 ton rearend It sure seems like you don't see too many of those anymore. Isn't there a guy who sells disc brake brackets? I wonder if he makes them for the D60? __________________ 71 GMC C15 swb 71 K5 Blazer 72 K10 Woodhauler 89 Suburban 13 Duramax

02-02-2010, 12:27 AM	#11
Willys47 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Nanaimo B.C. Posts: 604	Re: Dana 60 1/2 ton rearend get some pic for us well me. I would like to see what the axle tubs and brakes look like. __________________ I was hooked on these trucks since 1982 when I drove my budys fathers 1968 Custum GMC 396 automatic dana 60 rear with a power lock diff what a ride more fun then we will we can ever tell!!

02-02-2010, 12:48 AM	#14
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: Dana 60 1/2 ton rearend I`ve been looking for a`70 1/2t trailing armDana60 for a long time.You lucked out. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

02-02-2010, 10:11 AM	#15
71Bowties Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Montrose. Colorado Posts: 58	Re: Dana 60 1/2 ton rearend Me too. I put together a nice little 383 for this truck and I am really glad I found that rearend for peace of mind quality. __________________ 71 GMC C15 swb 71 K5 Blazer 72 K10 Woodhauler 89 Suburban 13 Duramax

02-02-2010, 06:03 PM	#16
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Dana 60 1/2 ton rearend (a camper special is a ford)

02-03-2010, 06:49 PM	#18
capev86 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Eliot, Maine Posts: 1,314	Re: Dana 60 1/2 ton rearend 67-70 1/2 ton 2wd's were 6 lug and then they went to 5 when they added disc brakes on the front. i'd get the complete brake system from a 2000 or newer 1/2 ton (they are 6 lug) gm truck and get 4 wheel disc brakes. as for the chassis.....they probably decided the big block needed the dana for more strength, especially if it was intended for heavy hauling. the 3/4 ton trucks have a much beefier panhard (track) bar and use bigger bushings. the trailing arm bushings are the same size regardless and the trailing arms just have a little exta plate welded on to beef them up for 3/4 ton applications. i installed poly bushings for the panhard bar from CPP on my 72 burb 3/4 ton burb but haven't gotten the trailing arm bushings swapped out yet. the basic design of these trucks is great, they just need a few tweaks to tighten them up (hence poly instead of rubber).

02-04-2010, 01:53 PM	#20
basemodel67 Factory Strippers Rule! Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Shingle Springs, CA Posts: 707	Re: Dana 60 1/2 ton rearend I am interested to see if you are able to get aftermarket axleshafts for this rearend. I'm trying to find one... but if there's no parts available, I might just stick with my stocker And post pics to make me jealous. __________________ "Feast your eyes on a feast of smoke." 67 Chevy Short Fleet PLAN: LQ9, 4L60, D60 Looking for School Bus Gauges - Help me out! Last edited by basemodel67; 02-04-2010 at 01:55 PM. Reason: Obligatory picture request.

02-04-2010, 02:32 PM	#22
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Dana 60 1/2 ton rearend another dana with a shattered axle shaft. They aren't as strong as ppl think. I've yet to see a 12 bolt in a truck with a shattered shaft. Why swap?



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02-04-2010, 07:46 PM	#23
71Bowties Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Montrose. Colorado Posts: 58	Re: Dana 60 1/2 ton rearend I agree with Longhorn Man, I have broken a couple of differentials, but not an axle. I am looking for the something different kinda thing with my project is why the D60 holds value to me. I also have been looking for any excuse to get rid of the leaf sprung suspension and I love the truck arm suspension. I will have a completely rebuilt 12 bolt with 4.10's, rebuilt GM posi w/400# springs & new clutches, brakes and all new bearings and seals coming up for sale soon too. __________________ 71 GMC C15 swb 71 K5 Blazer 72 K10 Woodhauler 89 Suburban 13 Duramax

02-04-2010, 10:21 PM	#24
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,140	Re: Dana 60 1/2 ton rearend Full floating means it has a hub with 2 bearings and a semi floater just has a bearing on the axle and basically a flange for the drum and wheel to attatch to. The semi float rear ends do not have a hub. __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

02-04-2010, 11:02 PM	#25
PJsthnam Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Sacramento, Ca. Posts: 66	Re: Dana 60 1/2 ton rearend Thank you.... __________________ 72 GMC Custom Camper 84 Shovelhead

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