Dana 60 Question

[davepl]

My '70 2500 has the factory Dana 60, non-posi, 3.54:1 rear end. I'd like to add posi, and while I'm at it, probably go to a steeper ratio since I'm adding an overdrive transmission.

I've never done a Dana before... are they complicated like a 12-bolt, or can you change entire center-sections like a Ford 9-inch?

I'm hoping I can buy a complete unit and drop it in without having to shim, set up the gears, check backlash and tooth contact pattern, all of that... but I don't know much about the Dana axles.

Thanks!
Dave

[gofast68c20]

The Dana is more like the 12 bolt. It doesn't have a drop out third member. They aren't too bad to build though.
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[Sideways]

3.54 might nice with a 700R(if that is your choice) , big block combo and you will have a lower first gear than with the turbo 400 .

[SS Tim]

There are several stock ratio setups in the Dana 5500 axle (aka D60). C20 trucks had them in 4.56,4.10 or 3.54 depending on the power team. Any other ratio is going to be an aftermarket. So plan on tire size and trans. final drive ratio. Thinking a 4.10 might be nice with a 400 & OD. Being a stock C20 BB offering as well, you likely won't kill it. As to the 700R4 lower first gear ratio, I never liked the 1-2 shift. If you are going to build a close ratio 700R4 I'd think the money would be better spent on you T400 and a Gear Vendors O/D.

[RichardJ]

The Dana in my '67 had non-posi 4.56 gears. I installed a posi 3.54 carrier I took out of a Dodge truck. The truck is night and day different than with the 4.56 gears.
I wouldn't mind having an overdrive, but I would definitely wait on the trans swap before I changed the rear gears.

The way my six cylinder pulls at 75-80 with the 3.54 gears, I know it could cruise with a .80 overdrive at that speed. The normal .70 overdrive might be a stretch for my six, but the most I would want to go to would be 3.73 gears.

I agree with what Sideways said. Your big block should love the OD on top of the 3.54 and the 3.06:1 first gear ratio seems more suited for a heavy truck.

[Sideways]

Originally Posted by davepl

My '70 2500 has the factory Dana 60, non-posi, 3.54:1 rear end. I'd like to add posi, and while I'm at it, probably go to a steeper ratio since I'm adding an overdrive transmission.

I've never done a Dana before... are they complicated like a 12-bolt, or can you change entire center-sections like a Ford 9-inch?

I'm hoping I can buy a complete unit and drop it in without having to shim, set up the gears, check backlash and tooth contact pattern, all of that... but I don't know much about the Dana axles.

Thanks!
Dave

Just wondering , what rpm are you turning at say 60 mph and how tall of a tire do you have?