[aedofab]

Is the front axle on the 4x4 550 the same as the 350 other that the dually adapter having the larger wheel bolt patern? Or is it heavier in the tubes,knuckles and/or unit bearings?

 

[ford_doctor]

Although appearance wise they look basically the same, there are two different axles used in the F250-F550 super Duty trucks. There are listings for a Dana50 and a Dana60 front axles and in the service manual. Personally, I can only go by recollection and guess that one is bigger/thicker/stronger than the other but I cannot answer your specific questions on tube strength and bearing size. They are different internally and one could make the assumption that the 60 is beefier than the 50 internally.

 

[aedofab]

I know the axle shaft necks down at the carier on the 50, but my main question is how different are the hubs and I wonder if the C's and knuckles are heavier?

 

[05superdutyTJ]

The knuckles are different. Ball joints spaced further out.

I don't know about the bearing, though.
The axle shafts and ring gear are standard 60 size.

50's are necked down at the case (inside) (same outters and external case as a 60)

 

[kblackav8or]

Start with a 50 - So with axles, carrier and ring and pinion change you end up with a 60? Am I reading that right?

 

[05superdutyTJ]

The only difference between a 50 and a 60 is...

1. The axles are necked down as they enter the differential carrier
2. The spline count is less on the carrier
3. The ring gear is much smaller.
3. The housing (or pumpkin) is set up for the smaller bearings and carrier (same as a D44, I believe)

So...if you're jumping, both are equally as strong.
If you're going to big tires, use a 60.

 

[kblackav8or]

My understanding was that the real differences were as you discribed, diff carrier, inner axle shafts were smaller. I also thought the center housing was different. IF that center housing was replaceable, then theoretically, you would be able to convert a 50 to a 60. IF the center is the same then a heart and axle shaft replacement would be the change.
Kevin

 

[05superdutyTJ]

since the center section is welded to the tubes and inner knuckles, then...

You could keep your outer shafts, knuckles, ball joints, brakes, hubs and hose barb for the esof.

You would need :
A new center section. bearings (new seals, as you don't want to reuse them), new inner shafts, carrier of your choice and ring/pinion.

It's probably better to just sell it as an assmebly (the 50) and get a 60.

 

[aedofab]

05SuperdutyTJ, when you say the ball joints are spaced further out, do you mean the c and the knuckle are taller or the overall width of the axle is futher out?

 

[05superdutyTJ]

[ QUOTE ]
05SuperdutyTJ, when you say the ball joints are spaced further out, do you mean the c and the knuckle are taller or the overall width of the axle is futher out?

[/ QUOTE ]
Taller (as the C part is thicker)
I'm not sure of this, though. It just looks thicker to me on the F550 that I've seen.

I know on the 05 trucks, the F450/550 trucks have a much wider track (thus the flares). This is to increase turning radius (and stability, I would assume).
Hopefully the wheel bearings are still centered. lol

I'm too poor for an 05 F550

 

[my97TJ]

[ QUOTE ]
...there are two different axles used in the F250-F550 super Duty trucks. There are listings for a Dana50 and a Dana60 front axles...

[/ QUOTE ]

Dana 50's were only used in 250's and SRW 350's, and were replaced with Dana 60's sometime during the 2002 model year. Duelly 350's always got Dana 60 fronts. 450's and 550's never had the 50.

 

[kblackav8or]

I wonder how many folks have actually busted 50's on a stock or mostly stock truck running OEM sized tires? Your risk of a broken diff goes up at a great rate with taller and taller tires. For a guy running a tire in the range of what it came with stock mostly likely wouldn't have problems. I haven't heard of anyone blowing one up - except stock hubs which are the same as the 60 anyway. I think Ford hubs act like a fuse anyway, they break before more expensive stuff does.

 

[05superdutyTJ]

[ QUOTE ]
I wonder how many folks have actually busted 50's on a stock or mostly stock truck running OEM sized tires? Your risk of a broken diff goes up at a great rate with taller and taller tires. For a guy running a tire in the range of what it came with stock mostly likely wouldn't have problems. I haven't heard of anyone blowing one up - except stock hubs which are the same as the 60 anyway. I think Ford hubs act like a fuse anyway, they break before more expensive stuff does.

[/ QUOTE ]

I've seen a guy with an ARB up front on his 50 blow it apart. He was spinning them hard and hit something in the mud (log?).

I've also seen a 03 dana 60 twist the stub axle in two. The hub was fine (except the small portion that got twisted inside it probably messed it up). Basically, the hub held! 44" boggers, yikes!