Dana 60 Front axle in 67-72 trucks - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Duffy · 03-08-2004, 01:30 PM

Has anyone taken a 4x4 Dana 60 front axle out of a newer (73-87) 1 ton and put it in our trucks? I want to do this but I need to know if there are any differences with spring width, mounting pads on the axle housing, and issues with steering arms and such. How about, what do I need to know?

Duffy

**JIMs70GMC** · 03-08-2004, 02:27 PM

It's a bolt in. Need to replace brake hoses. Front dana 60 first available in 1977 I believe.

Duffy · 03-08-2004, 02:41 PM

Cool, thanks for the input.

Duffy

Bram · 03-08-2004, 02:52 PM

They fit really well. Here is a picture of my Dana 60 on a 72 frame.

**Yukon Jack** · 03-08-2004, 03:24 PM

That's a sight to behold!

BLAZERMAN · 03-10-2004, 12:35 AM

Besides being a bolt in you will gain an inch more height from swapping in a 60, if you have at least a 4" lift try and find a Dodge steering arm and retaper it from the opposite end for the big chevy draglink ends, works alot better than using a steering arm block. For the brake lines I used the line brackets from a mid 80s truck,blazer, these conect the brake lines about 2" away from the frame, even though this does not drop the line any just bringing the line out closer to the caliper gives you more slack.

trukman1 · 03-10-2004, 03:38 AM

Duffy, One other thing to consider is that the factory 1-ton trucks came with hydro-boost brake systems instead of vacuum boost units. I found out why when I put my Dana 60 in my truck...the brakes SUCKED BAD!!! After swapping to the hydro-boost unit the brakes are better than ever. I purchased a junkyard unit for a core and put in rebuilt everything but could have just used a new MC and would have been OK. BTW, purchase '79 or older parts if you go the rebuilt route or else you'll have to swap your steering gearbox and PS pump to the O-ring type ports. (I learned that one the hard way). And there is a difference in the 3/4-ton and 1-ton hydro boost units so beware. Some of the guys I wheel with still have the old vacuum systems but their trucks are scary to stop! Just thought I'd let you know my experience with this conversion. Good Luck!

Duffy · 03-10-2004, 11:33 AM

Thanks for the info Trukman. Someone tell me more about hydroboost braking systems. Also, how much work is it to go from a dually style front axle to single wheel?

Duffy

Radiatta_71 · 03-10-2004, 03:16 PM

I just got a Dana 60 for my blazer. it is on the list to put in soon.

One thing I'm going to do is change the steering geometry to cross over type to eliminate the factory steering arm and draglink. This offers better steering control offroad. I will probably raise my tie rod to go over the leaf springs at the same time.

4x72alex · 02-16-2011, 03:47 PM

I am also going to tackle this project whenever the 4'' lift gets here. Glad I read the post to learn about the hydraboost tip. Guess ill have to rip that off the donor truck too. Any issues hooking up the emergency brake cables when swapping in the 14 bolt in the rear?

mtm_seven · 02-16-2011, 06:05 PM

Instead of going hydro, I had the parts store order a booster from a 3/4 ton '72. It's a little different shape but bolts in the same and provides way better boost than the 1/2 ton one. That and going to rear disc on my blazer made the brakes feel like a sportscar. They work almost TOO well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by trukman1

Duffy, One other thing to consider is that the factory 1-ton trucks came with hydro-boost brake systems instead of vacuum boost units. I found out why when I put my Dana 60 in my truck...the brakes SUCKED BAD!!! After swapping to the hydro-boost unit the brakes are better than ever. I purchased a junkyard unit for a core and put in rebuilt everything but could have just used a new MC and would have been OK. BTW, purchase '79 or older parts if you go the rebuilt route or else you'll have to swap your steering gearbox and PS pump to the O-ring type ports. (I learned that one the hard way). And there is a difference in the 3/4-ton and 1-ton hydro boost units so beware. Some of the guys I wheel with still have the old vacuum systems but their trucks are scary to stop! Just thought I'd let you know my experience with this conversion. Good Luck!

**bignbad** · 02-16-2011, 07:03 PM

Bram, wheres the picture of your truck with a d 60 in it.I cant see it theres a red "x" there.

**special-K** · 02-16-2011, 08:34 PM

I have nothing,not even a red x. Where did it go? I don't see an edit message either.

674x4ton · 02-16-2011, 09:10 PM

I can see the red X --mark the spot

jakeblues652 · 02-16-2011, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 674x4ton

I can see the red X --mark the spot

diddo

1972K20 · 02-16-2011, 11:17 PM

Like the previous posters said, the Dana 60F is a direct bolt in.

I took a Dana 60 from a 1984 1 ton and put it in my 72. As far as the brakes go, I did have to get new brake lines. That's the only change I did to the brakes and they work great.

I also installed crossover steering on the Dana 60. It was easy to install as well; however, you have to change the steering sector to a two-wheel drive so the pitman arm can turn side to side, instead of front to back.

Chevy front axles are basically interchangeable up to 1987 (1991 on K30s). Rear axles are different though.

03-08-2004, 01:30 PM	#1
Duffy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Billings, MT Posts: 121	Dana 60 Front axle in 67-72 trucks Has anyone taken a 4x4 Dana 60 front axle out of a newer (73-87) 1 ton and put it in our trucks? I want to do this but I need to know if there are any differences with spring width, mounting pads on the axle housing, and issues with steering arms and such. How about, what do I need to know? Duffy __________________ '72 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper

03-08-2004, 02:27 PM	#2
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	It's a bolt in. Need to replace brake hoses. Front dana 60 first available in 1977 I believe. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

03-08-2004, 02:41 PM	#3
Duffy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Billings, MT Posts: 121	Cool, thanks for the input. Duffy __________________ '72 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper

03-08-2004, 02:52 PM	#4
Bram Broke Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: West Plains,MO Posts: 385	They fit really well. Here is a picture of my Dana 60 on a 72 frame. __________________ 72CheyenneSuper1ton4x4BigBlock

03-08-2004, 03:24 PM	#5
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,684	That's a sight to behold! __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

03-10-2004, 12:35 AM	#6
BLAZERMAN Currently Blazerless Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: St. Joseph Mo. Posts: 4,826	Besides being a bolt in you will gain an inch more height from swapping in a 60, if you have at least a 4" lift try and find a Dodge steering arm and retaper it from the opposite end for the big chevy draglink ends, works alot better than using a steering arm block. For the brake lines I used the line brackets from a mid 80s truck,blazer, these conect the brake lines about 2" away from the frame, even though this does not drop the line any just bringing the line out closer to the caliper gives you more slack. __________________ 1972 C/30 133" W.B. C&C 1970 GMC 3500 157" W.B. single wheel C&C

03-10-2004, 03:38 AM	#7
trukman1 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Beavercreek, Ohio 45431 Posts: 737	Duffy, One other thing to consider is that the factory 1-ton trucks came with hydro-boost brake systems instead of vacuum boost units. I found out why when I put my Dana 60 in my truck...the brakes SUCKED BAD!!! After swapping to the hydro-boost unit the brakes are better than ever. I purchased a junkyard unit for a core and put in rebuilt everything but could have just used a new MC and would have been OK. BTW, purchase '79 or older parts if you go the rebuilt route or else you'll have to swap your steering gearbox and PS pump to the O-ring type ports. (I learned that one the hard way). And there is a difference in the 3/4-ton and 1-ton hydro boost units so beware. Some of the guys I wheel with still have the old vacuum systems but their trucks are scary to stop! Just thought I'd let you know my experience with this conversion. Good Luck! __________________ 1967 K30 461/TH400/Np205/D60/14FF/BDS MTZ 375/75/16 on 16x10 Pro Comps

03-10-2004, 11:33 AM	#8
Duffy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Billings, MT Posts: 121	Thanks for the info Trukman. Someone tell me more about hydroboost braking systems. Also, how much work is it to go from a dually style front axle to single wheel? Duffy __________________ '72 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper

03-10-2004, 03:16 PM	#9
Radiatta_71 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 117	I just got a Dana 60 for my blazer. it is on the list to put in soon. One thing I'm going to do is change the steering geometry to cross over type to eliminate the factory steering arm and draglink. This offers better steering control offroad. I will probably raise my tie rod to go over the leaf springs at the same time.

02-16-2011, 03:47 PM	#10
4x72alex Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Ellensburg wa Posts: 6	Re: Dana 60 Front axle in 67-72 trucks I am also going to tackle this project whenever the 4'' lift gets here. Glad I read the post to learn about the hydraboost tip. Guess ill have to rip that off the donor truck too. Any issues hooking up the emergency brake cables when swapping in the 14 bolt in the rear?

02-16-2011, 07:03 PM	#12
bignbad Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: highspire,pa Posts: 423	Re: Dana 60 Front axle in 67-72 trucks Bram, wheres the picture of your truck with a d 60 in it.I cant see it theres a red "x" there. __________________ '72 chevy k20 '06 H-D Springer softail http://www.bluemooncruisers.com/ http://www.enginecycle.com/ ~Eric

02-16-2011, 08:34 PM	#13
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: Dana 60 Front axle in 67-72 trucks I have nothing,not even a red x. Where did it go? I don't see an edit message either. __________________ "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 ~

02-16-2011, 09:10 PM	#14
674x4ton Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: st.joseph mo. Posts: 116	Re: Dana 60 Front axle in 67-72 trucks I can see the red X --mark the spot

02-16-2011, 11:17 PM	#16
1972K20 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 739	Re: Dana 60 Front axle in 67-72 trucks Like the previous posters said, the Dana 60F is a direct bolt in. I took a Dana 60 from a 1984 1 ton and put it in my 72. As far as the brakes go, I did have to get new brake lines. That's the only change I did to the brakes and they work great. I also installed crossover steering on the Dana 60. It was easy to install as well; however, you have to change the steering sector to a two-wheel drive so the pitman arm can turn side to side, instead of front to back. Chevy front axles are basically interchangeable up to 1987 (1991 on K30s). Rear axles are different though.



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