72 with Dana 60 question

[wwboater]

Hello

I have a 72 lwb that has a Dana 60 in the rear end. I want to change it from 8 lugs to a 5 lug. Does anyone know if this is possible?

Also the previous owner put an extra set of shocks on the rear end of the truck. So the rear axel had 4 shocks. The added shocks have springs on them like coil overs... I'll upload pics later.

[Big Kev-O]

The simple answer is no. There is no off the shelf parts to convert your specific dana 60 to 5 lug. Converting it to 5 lug would require all sorts of custom machine work and fabrication which would cost more money than replacing the entire axle. You can get Ford 9" rear axles made for our trucks for less money. You are best off replacing the entire axle. I have spent many hours looking for way to convert my Dana 60.

My guess is you want more wheel options. Even if you did manage to convert your dana 60 the center hub is giant and I highly doubt you could find 5 lug wheels that would fit over that giant hub.

[special-K]

http://www.markwilliams.com/steel-da...ssemblies.html

Well I'll be... I have been sensored when there ain't no sensorin' needed. Can't we type assemblies? Anyway, type that address up to see what can be had.

[kwmech]

Originally Posted by special-K

http://www.markwilliams.com/steel-da...ssemblies.html

Well I'll be... I have been sensored when there ain't no sensorin' needed. Can't we type assembly?

Building a 5 lug from an 8 that is full float is different than a custom built 60. If you want to get custom you can take the 8 lug hubs and drums and have them filled and re-drilled, but you'd be stuck with a 5 on 5-1/2 lug pattern (ford F150 and Bronco) in the back and the chevy 5 lug in the front. Find a 1/2 ton diff or warm up the credit card for a custom built

[Caddylackn]

There are factree Dana 60s with 5 lugs out there but they are pricey. They were used on some big block Mopar muscle cars in the 60's. The ones that demand big money now, so finding one won't be cheap.

If you really wanted all five lug, I would just find a rust bucket C10 and swap the frames or swap all the suspension parts (front and rear) and part the rest. In some states if you frame swap you would need to keep the title on the frame and cab and license it.

I personally think the 3/4 ton wheels with factree hubcaps look pretty nice if cleaned up painted and hub caps detailed. If your wheels are rusty 3/4 ton steel Ford Van wheels are a close match and the C20 hubcaps fit right on. There is usually a ton of these in the junkyard.

[wwboater]

Thank you fir all of the information. Here are pics of the dual shock setup.

[Caddylackn]

I think that is just an adjustable helper coil spring. It looks homemade by using an old shock absorber. Those look like exhaust clamps on the end to keep the coils compressed.

I would be surprised if there was a damper left inside the tube. I wonder how well it works? If it works then kudos to whoever built it.

[bob arrington]

Originally Posted by wwboater

Thank you fir all of the information. Here are pics of the dual shock setup.

fuuuuggggly