97 Van PSD / Dana Rear End - Diesel Forum

ratbagdiesel · 09-26-2009, 10:42 AM

Well, it appears I will be replacing the ring and pinon in my Dana 60 rear axle for the THIRD time! Yeah, I know, how can that happen? Three sets of gears on a van with only 103k on the clock? Well, it's true. The van is used for towing a 10k toy box trailer and is loaded pretty heavy. The first set of gears (factory 3:55) lasted about 75k miles. The second set (Precision Gear 4:30) lasted 28k miles. For this next set of gears, I think I'll go back to Dana and install a set of 3:73 gears, since the original gears lasted longer than the aftermarket set.

What I would like to do is change the rear axle out to a Dana 70. I have since in some of the posts, some of you have made this change. Where did you find the Dana 70? Is it a direct "bolt in" to replace the Dana 60? How about the brake issue? My van has drum brakes but I would like to have disc brakes. Was the brake upgrade part of your rear axle upgrade?

Thanks for the help guys!!!

carringb · 09-26-2009, 01:55 PM

Your axle may already be a Dana 70. Mine came with it from Ford. But it came with the Dana 60 carrier/ring/pinion. So when I regeared, I had the 70 carrier put in so I could run a larger ring and pinion.

Yes, you can bolt in a D70 with disc brakes, but you will have to change the master cylinder.

beaker · 09-26-2009, 02:37 PM

I've not had good luck with the Dana 60 towing heavy trailers either. I'm looking for a Sterling 10.5" since I already have the 8x170mm wheels. Is this an easy retrofit? Changes to shock mounts or spring pads?

I need something that can take an ARB or Eaton E-Locker. I believe the 10.5 can run the ARB.

ratbagdiesel · 09-26-2009, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carringb

Your axle may already be a Dana 70. Mine came with it from Ford. But it came with the Dana 60 carrier/ring/pinion. So when I regeared, I had the 70 carrier put in so I could run a larger ring and pinion.

Yes, you can bolt in a D70 with disc brakes, but you will have to change the master cylinder.

This is interesting! How can I find out what rear end axle housing I have in my van? I know the Dana 60 is a 9.75" ring and pinon but if a Dana 70 carrier will work, I think that would be the way to go. Where can I find more information on this potential upgrade?

carringb · 09-26-2009, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ratbagdiesel

This is interesting! How can I find out what rear end axle housing I have in my van? I know the Dana 60 is a 9.75" ring and pinon but if a Dana 70 carrier will work, I think that would be the way to go. Where can I find more information on this potential upgrade?

The actual axle housing model should be stamped near the diff cover. There's other ways to differentiate as well but I don't remember the details.

ratbagdiesel · 09-26-2009, 10:01 PM

I don't know if this helps but, on the door tag the rear axle code is "C9".

blageurt · 09-27-2009, 11:06 AM

This site might help you . . . What is my Ford rear end ratio, do I have positraction - Drivetrain.com

ratbagdiesel · 09-27-2009, 04:34 PM

Here is some more information I was able to find on the rear end axle housing;

First, this is a full floating axle housing. It has hubs that are about 4" long sticking through the rear wheels.

As you look at the housing from the rear of the van, the diff cover directley in front of you, the diff cover has 10 bolts, in the lower corner of the housing, around the 7 O' clock position, in the casting of the rear end, the number, 47510 is shown.

As you look at the front of the housing, where the drive shaft connects to the rear eand, on the lower right side at about the 5 o' clock position, the number 7071 are cast in the housing. On top of the housing, again, looking at the rear end where the drive haft connects, at the 2 o' clock position, the number 248-011 is cast into the housing. this same number, 248-011, again is cast into the housing at the 11 o' clock position.

One last thing, it appears the axles tube on this rear end are are 3 or 3 1/2" inches. I have a 4" exhaust and the axle tubes are smaller than my exhaust tubing.

I don't know if this will help but any help would be appreceaited.

ratbagdiesel · 09-27-2009, 04:41 PM

Would I be asking to much if I were to ask you to confirm the casting numbers you have on your rear axle? I just posted the all of the information I could find on my rear axle and if the numbers are the same, I'll be shopping for a new Dana 70 carrier and gears!

Thanks.

carringb · 09-27-2009, 08:05 PM

Mine is also 10-bolt and has the 47510 cast number. My other number don't match however.

ratbagdiesel · 09-27-2009, 11:15 PM

carringb

Thanks for the info back on the casting number(s). I sent an e-mail off to a local gear shop to see if they could confirm any of these casting numbers. This will really be a great help if I can make this rear end work as a Dana 70!

Anyway, thanks again for the help !!!