best dana 60 to use

[Guilius]

i know alot about the dana 44 axles, having done two swaps on rangers already but dont know alot about the dana 60.

this is going to go into my 95 ranger as i cracked the driver's side beam.

what is the best type (ford,chevy etc..) and year dana 60 to put under it?
earlier fords with ball joints? older chevy with Kingpins?

we can do a complete rebuild and put it under but i just would like some input as to whic one is better or if it really makes a difference.

 

[94BonB]

Check out the tech library, under dana 60 and you'll find the dana 60 bible written by the guys at pirate 4x4

 

[Guilius]

been there....doesnt say what's the best.... well it says all listed on there are the "desireable ones" and it's just a write up of the different ones and some of the differences.
not trying to be an ass or anything but there's a section that says "please read before posting" on the top here......
of course i can read and i clicked on the dana 60 link.

i was hoping someone had some personal experience in this and could offer some advice on what to look for.

 

[NMB2]

before I can tell you, you must tell me. What type of suspension do you plan on using?

 

[88_Eddie]

the only thing i can tell you is that you'll want a ford or dodge d60, a chevy d60 will have a passenger drop instead of a driver side drop thus requiring you to change out some of your drivetrain

 

[Guilius]

Thanks 88_eddie, that's what i was looking for.

it's going to be coils with extended radius arms.

 

[NMB2]

Thanks 88_eddie, that's what i was looking for.

it's going to be coils with extended radius arms.

you are going to want a 78/79 ford D60 then, as it has a longer driver tube, making it easier to put links on that side. If you cannot find one of those, your next best choice is probably the 96/97 D60. It has the same issue as the others with the shorter driver tube, but has bigger knuckles, easier to hi-steer than other ball joints, and the best brakes.

Really though, in your application, any ford D60 78/79, 85.5 - 91, 92 - 95, 96/97... will all work for what you are trying to achieve.

 

[Guilius]

Thanks guys! i appreciate the info greatly!
i will look into the 78/79 and also the 96/97. i like the idea of bigger knuckles and brakes.

 

[COPPERHEAD85]

Hope your lucky or have deeeeeep pockets.

 

[NMB2]

Hope your lucky or have deeeeeep pockets.

how deep is deep? I have about $3k into my front and its basically bulletproof. Its a worthwhile trade-off.