Dana 60 Swap ??? - Diesel Forum

jwaltblue · 01-29-2008, 08:20 PM

I am buying a 1987 F-350 Single wheel 4x4 as a donor for my pickup in sig. I was wondering if there was any good posts with directions for the swap. I was also wondering where would be a good place to get 3.54 gears for the dana 60 or will the ring and pinion out of my dana 50 fit? Any help would be great.

thanks

BKB · 01-29-2008, 09:18 PM

I have never done the swap myself. The truck you are buying is a king pin dana 60 your truck if it was a 350 would be a ball joint dana 60. Rotors and calipers are also different. It is a bolt in using the 350 springs, driveshaft, steering and pan hard bar. You might have to trim the bottom of the cross member for clearance if not using a lift. I personaly thing this swap is stupid without doing a RSK.

dieharddiesel · 01-30-2008, 12:47 AM

I did the swap in my truck and was happy with how easy it was. i added a leaf spring in the front and a couple in the back while i was at it. it took a weekend to do it (including the unexpected). I am very happy with the truck now. in my opinion it is worth it.

joeyslushr · 01-31-2008, 02:50 AM

i just put a '94 d60 into an '87 f-250 i pulled the truck into the shop at 3:30pm and pulled it out at 5:30pm. one of the easiest diff swaps i have ever done!

4rcFed · 03-22-2008, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwaltblue

I am buying a 1987 F-350 Single wheel 4x4 as a donor for my pickup in sig. I was wondering if there was any good posts with directions for the swap. I was also wondering where would be a good place to get 3.54 gears for the dana 60 or will the ring and pinion out of my dana 50 fit? Any help would be great.

thanks

Recently finished my Dana 60 swap. If you need any questions answered, I'd be glad to try and help!

dieharddiesel · 03-23-2008, 04:28 AM

why do you have an opinion if you didnt do it?

**caryt** · 03-23-2008, 10:51 AM

I'v done it and I'll second his opnion. Except for getting a better front axel it really needs to be done with a RS kit and SD springs. He gave him some good pointers why the hostility?

cary

LoadHauler · 03-29-2008, 07:32 PM

caryt,

just curious about the RSK and SD springs. I helped a friend do a D60 in his F250 and we didn't install RSK or SD springs. He bought 3" lift springs for the front to level it out to the rear (4" F350 block in rear). Why do y'all think its a waste if you don't do the RSK and SD springs? Is it the rough ride?

How easy would it be to add the RSK and SD springs after the fact. And, how can you bring the ass-end of the truck back up to level with the front after the rsk adds a couple of inches?

4rcFed · 03-29-2008, 09:11 PM

I installed the Dana 2 weeks ago.

I just finished up installing my 3" RSK, and 4" blocks in the rear. But I am not crazy of the stance......it is higher in the front.

MJLankford · 03-30-2008, 10:26 AM

If you are going to go through swapping a Dana 60 under an F250 don't stop there trust me, and everyone else that has used the RSK w/SD springs, you will not be sorry. I would bet my truck on that.

Matt

**caryt** · 03-30-2008, 10:46 AM

I have modded my suspension almost every way you can short of coilovers and SD springs all 4 corners is a must.
The reason I say its not that big of a change to do a RS kit with the stock springs is the shackel alone won't make a big difference since the main problem is the stock front spring. The axel sits 4" off center on the stock spring

leaf springs do not like working this way. It has to flex in a unnatural way when a axel is offset..giving a lousy ride in return.

Changing to SD is easy just take it apart and move the RS kit front bracket 4" forward, relocate the bumper brackets and remount the bumper.

4rcFed...if your front is higher something weard..not stock f250-350 OBS springs or your rears have saged.

Cary

dieharddiesel · 04-01-2008, 01:45 AM

sorrry guys. i had a bad day that day. when you do the swap there are some parts on your ttb50 you will want to hang on to. save everthing from the balljoints out. the bearings seals spindles the stub axle the locking hubs will work on the dana 60. the stuff in the middle gears axles can go to a new owner. and if you get in a pinch the locking nuts can work on a sterling 10.25. when i get some time im going to see if the outer bearings from the rearend will work on the front. i hope i have been more helpful. ps if you need the big rubber seal for the stub axles get an sbk5 from autovalue. i think its a federal mogul part number

highfive · 04-03-2008, 12:46 AM

I am rebuilding a 89 kingpin 60 to go under mine right now and after getting it torn down had a couple of questions for the experts.

I am sure I need to use the caliper and bracket from the 89 as it is separate from the knuckle unlike the 50 and I see that the spindles, stubs and hubs should swap but what about the rotors? easy check I know but just wanted to know so I could get parts on the way.

Thanks

highfive · 04-03-2008, 12:47 AM

Oh yeah, did the original poster get his swapped?

I see he was looking for 3.55's for his 60, I need 4.10's so if he needs a gear swap still let me know.