Dana 60 Front U-bolt Question

[johnnywagon]

Do all front D60's have only one u-bolt on the passenger side with the other 2 mounting bolts threading into the case? Is this a strong set up? Is there a kit or another option to add a u-bolt? I think I found a donor truck and I've always wondered about this. Thanks,

[Yukon Jack]

This is a surefire way to identify a Dana 60 but I don't know enough about them to say all Dana 60's use 3 u-bolts and one set of studs.

[Burt4x4]

I have seen thoes bolts your talking about getting replaced buy large studs. So you have a nut on top the plate instead of a bolt head. RyanB did this mod at PacificFab in BayArea Calif. Right before this mod he broke both of thoes bolts wheelin at HollisterHills, now it no breky

[1969 GMC]

The only thing you have to watch out for is some Dodge D44's have the exact same setup, with 2 bolts and a u-bolt. But if its a Chevy and its setup like this, its gotta be a D60.

I have seen pics online of someone who actually used a grinder to make a space for a 2nd u-bolt to go, a custom spring plate, and had it run 4 u-bolts like a normal frontend. I think I'd rather do the stud thing that Burt mentioned than this, but it does exist.

[johnnywagon]

Thanks guys. Now I just have to decide if I want to drop $1500 on a 87 crew cab w/blown engine. I've seen better deals, but they just come 'round very often any more. I've always planned on scoring a 1-ton pickup, putting the front Dana 60 in my Blazer (w/crossover steering) and then putting the 3/4 ton Dana 44 from the Blazer back into the pickup. Then I'd have a pickup for going to the dump, etc.

[1969 GMC]

Originally Posted by johnnywagon

Thanks guys. Now I just have to decide if I want to drop $1500 on a 87 crew cab w/blown engine. I've seen better deals, but they just come 'round very often any more. I've always planned on scoring a 1-ton pickup, putting the front Dana 60 in my Blazer (w/crossover steering) and then putting the 3/4 ton Dana 44 from the Blazer back into the pickup. Then I'd have a pickup for going to the dump, etc.

That doesn't sound like a bad deal, but there are probably betters out there. 2 weeks ago I passed on a '77 K30 350/TH400/NP203/D60/D70HD for $1200, ran down the road great. May I recommend car auctions (not e-bay, real time)? There seem to be quite a few of them around here, and there can be a lot of screaming deals to be had.
My 2cents.

[johnnywagon]

Theres a pretty savvy bunch of hard core 4x4 guys around here and whenever a D60 or a complete truck comes up for sale, they usually dont last long. In fact, I found two 1-ton trucks last year that the front D60 had already been swapped w/D44s. I know of a complete running truck 500 miles away in Montana for less. Its just that the timing is good with this rig BUT I think I might have to reconsider because you're right, there are better deals.

[1tonswb]

Originally Posted by johnnywagon

Theres a pretty savvy bunch of hard core 4x4 guys around here and whenever a D60 or a complete truck comes up for sale, they usually dont last long. In fact, I found two 1-ton trucks last year that the front D60 had already been swapped w/D44s. I know of a complete running truck 500 miles away in Montana for less. Its just that the timing is good with this rig BUT I think I might have to reconsider because you're right, there are better deals.

Thats so true! I snag every cheap 1 ton that I can find. Im usually trying to get them before my friends find out about it (lol).

[trkklr77]

1500 is around the going rate for just an axle these days, kind of $$$ for me.


this guy is from pirate 4x4 and is very very reasonable, 90% of his axles are $8-900 and he ships every where.


www.extremeaxlesales.com