I bought a Dana 60! - Page 3 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

johnnywagon · 05-02-2007, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arkracing

Dumb question - do you have to move the spring perches on the D60 to put it in? I'm assuming No since the pass side mounts right to the center section - but was just wondering.

Bolts right in, you dont have to modify the perches.

Burt4x4 · 05-02-2007, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnnywagon

To simplify things I ordered a u-bolt kit from Skyjacker. It came with studs!

Cool! Let us know how that works out

martinkh · 05-03-2007, 02:08 PM

What shocks are you using with the d60 front? I don't mean brand, but the 1/2ton ones, 3/4 ton, 1 ton? how does the mounted length work out ei mount to mount distance compared to the d44?

johnnywagon · 05-03-2007, 02:10 PM

Its always something!

Here's some info for anyone doing a front D60 swap. If you buy a D60 u-bolt kit, be warned that its for a real one-ton truck with thick one-ton leaf springs. The u-bolts and studs were way to long for my "thinner" leafs. No big deal on the u-bolts, I just cut 'em down. But the studs (that thread into the diff) aren't threaded far enough down to simply cut. So its either thread 'em and cut 'em or do something else. Right now I'm temporarily using bolts, but I plan on using studs long term.

johnnywagon · 05-03-2007, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martinkh

What shocks are you using with the d60 front? I don't mean brand, but the 1/2ton ones, 3/4 ton, 1 ton? how does the mounted length work out ei mount to mount distance compared to the d44?

Good Question. My truck has been all three: 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton & now 1 ton. All with the exact same shocks. I got out the Rancho book and all three list the same part #. The only differences are for how much lift you have. I did relocate my shock mounts up to the top half of the axle, rather than hanging below but I doubt I'll need a different lenth shock.

johnnywagon · 05-08-2007, 11:31 AM

I had a productive 2 days off. She's done. Locker is in. New shorter front drive shaft is in. Modified brake lines seem to work and the top is off!

More D60 swap facts:
- Because of the bigger axle tube and the tall spring pads, the front is about an inch taller now.
- Because of the much bigger diff. I had to shorten the front drive shaft, however it still used the same u-joint as the D44.
- The brake hose bolt (on my D60 calipers, there are diff. types) is a smaller diameter than the D44. The 6" lift Skyjacker brake hoses seem like they will still work with the smaller bolt AND a 90 degree adaptor.

johnnywagon · 05-08-2007, 11:36 AM

Oh yea, NO I havent tested the front locker out yet, and YES she has the infamous D60 deathwobble.

Burt4x4 · 05-08-2007, 03:18 PM

Ok you offically beat me toit

(but I am installing a rear 14FF too so..)
Good Job!
My driveline fit without making it shorter...I only have about 1"or less of "in" travel left..I don't know if this will be a problem or not..I have all kinds of "out" travel now

Thanks for the pics of that 90deg fitting...I will probly need the same thing as I have SS Earl lines.
As for deathwobble I am combatting that with crossover and eliminating the KingPin springs (source of the deflection/wobble). I will keep you posted with how I get that done...would work very well on yours too...
Thanks for the update

Burt

johnnywagon · 05-09-2007, 03:05 PM

Burt, I am definitely interested to see your progress w/the kingpin/crossover steering project.

Thanks.

BTW: I just discovered a new problem/project. The driverside front leaf spring H.D. lift shackle on my rig is bent/twisted and the welds on the H-beam are cracking. It looks like the frame is bent there as well. Gonna need a custom crossmember....at least.

Roper · 05-09-2007, 03:36 PM

Different year GMC one tons 4 wheel drives used different front brake lines.
I know when I swapped in my dana 60 I didnt know the year so I ordered in about three different year models of brakelines before I got the right ones.
But if you kbnow the year of the truck the dana 60 came out of its no problem.
Also even with 4" of lift I didnt need extended brake lines. I just moved the brake lines down closer to the axle.
Also that front driveshaft is the same on 1/2 tons and 1 tons. 205 takes a shorter shaft than a 208 but they are both the same diameter.
The outer u joints on the dana 60 are the weak point. Those will usually go before your front driveshaft.
Also for the studs on the housing of the dana 60. I ordered new studs from Superlift and they didnt fit. Then I ordered them from somebody else and they didnt fit either so I just reused the studs that came on my dana 60.
About u bolts. Corporate 14 bolt FF came in 3 different houseing diameters of the years. Im going from memory but I think they came in 3 1/4", 3 3/8" and 3 1/2" So take dial calibers and measure your axle housing before ordering u bolts. Basically depending on what you have for suspension your going to have to find a place that custom makes ubolts. Any spring shop should be able to make them up.

earl87gta · 05-09-2007, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnnywagon

Burt, I am definitely interested to see your progress w/the kingpin/crossover steering project.

Thanks.

BTW: I just discovered a new problem/project. The driverside front leaf spring H.D. lift shackle on my rig is bent/twisted and the welds on the H-beam are cracking. It looks like the frame is bent there as well. Gonna need a custom crossmember....at least.

I would check this out http://www.diy4x.com/suspension.htm they have 67 to 72 HD front spring nount kits now. a little pricey at $270 but I dont think you can bust one.

johnnywagon · 05-09-2007, 07:00 PM

Oh great, more cool stuff I want to buy.

Seriously, thanks Earl.

**Yukon Jack** · 05-10-2007, 10:09 AM

Awesome progress! Dana 60 looks right at home under your K5.

johnnywagon · 05-10-2007, 01:46 PM

Thanks everyone for the compliments.

Hopefully I'll hit the trail this Sunday.

earl87gta · 05-10-2007, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnnywagon

Oh great, more cool stuff I want to buy.

Seriously, thanks Earl.

No problem when I seen them they went on my got a have list. now I just need a taller lift to go with them.

johnnywagon · 05-15-2007, 11:18 AM

The new front lockright locker works great!!!!!

RED72blazer · 05-15-2007, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnnywagon

Oh yea, NO I havent tested the front locker out yet, and YES she has the infamous D60 deathwobble.

what is the infamous deathwobble?

earl87gta · 05-16-2007, 01:31 AM

danna 60 fronts like to let the front wobble a bit to fix it you can add an extra bushing for the king pin. you may have to add 2 some times just replacing the king pins help but most the time you have to add the extra bushing.

johnnywagon · 05-16-2007, 11:06 AM

The locker works great!! Definitely going to need to fix the death-wobble.

scotto0609 · 05-20-2007, 08:39 PM

Upper bushings and spring. Cheap easy fix.

05-03-2007, 02:08 PM	#53
martinkh Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Boise Posts: 107	Re: I bought a Dana 60! What shocks are you using with the d60 front? I don't mean brand, but the 1/2ton ones, 3/4 ton, 1 ton? how does the mounted length work out ei mount to mount distance compared to the d44? __________________ '70gmc 3/4ton 4X4, re-arch and 2" add-a-leaf lift. '77 400sbc, '82 axles, d60front, 14bolt rear. Probably some 285/75/16 Toyo m/t's on my stock rims coming up.

05-03-2007, 02:10 PM	#54
johnnywagon Sofa King. We, Todd, Ed. Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Spokane, Wa. Posts: 631	Re: I bought a Dana 60! Its always something! Here's some info for anyone doing a front D60 swap. If you buy a D60 u-bolt kit, be warned that its for a real one-ton truck with thick one-ton leaf springs. The u-bolts and studs were way to long for my "thinner" leafs. No big deal on the u-bolts, I just cut 'em down. But the studs (that thread into the diff) aren't threaded far enough down to simply cut. So its either thread 'em and cut 'em or do something else. Right now I'm temporarily using bolts, but I plan on using studs long term. __________________ ~John 71 Blazer One Ton 65 Chevelle Station Wagon x2 59 Belair 2 Door 71 Chevy Open Road Van RV www.myspace.com/johnnywagon

05-08-2007, 11:31 AM	#56
johnnywagon Sofa King. We, Todd, Ed. Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Spokane, Wa. Posts: 631	Re: I bought a Dana 60! I had a productive 2 days off. She's done. Locker is in. New shorter front drive shaft is in. Modified brake lines seem to work and the top is off! More D60 swap facts: - Because of the bigger axle tube and the tall spring pads, the front is about an inch taller now. - Because of the much bigger diff. I had to shorten the front drive shaft, however it still used the same u-joint as the D44. - The brake hose bolt (on my D60 calipers, there are diff. types) is a smaller diameter than the D44. The 6" lift Skyjacker brake hoses seem like they will still work with the smaller bolt AND a 90 degree adaptor. Attached Images __________________ ~John 71 Blazer One Ton 65 Chevelle Station Wagon x2 59 Belair 2 Door 71 Chevy Open Road Van RV www.myspace.com/johnnywagon

05-08-2007, 11:36 AM	#57
johnnywagon Sofa King. We, Todd, Ed. Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Spokane, Wa. Posts: 631	Re: I bought a Dana 60! Oh yea, NO I havent tested the front locker out yet, and YES she has the infamous D60 deathwobble. Attached Images __________________ ~John 71 Blazer One Ton 65 Chevelle Station Wagon x2 59 Belair 2 Door 71 Chevy Open Road Van RV www.myspace.com/johnnywagon

05-08-2007, 03:18 PM	#58
Burt4x4 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 1,842	Re: I bought a Dana 60! Ok you offically beat me toit (but I am installing a rear 14FF too so..) Good Job! My driveline fit without making it shorter...I only have about 1"or less of "in" travel left..I don't know if this will be a problem or not..I have all kinds of "out" travel now Thanks for the pics of that 90deg fitting...I will probly need the same thing as I have SS Earl lines. As for deathwobble I am combatting that with crossover and eliminating the KingPin springs (source of the deflection/wobble). I will keep you posted with how I get that done...would work very well on yours too... Thanks for the update Burt __________________ 1972 K5 MPFI454/Sm465/Np205/D60/14FFd/Re-Centerd H1s w/Swamper Iroks

05-09-2007, 03:05 PM	#59
johnnywagon Sofa King. We, Todd, Ed. Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Spokane, Wa. Posts: 631	Re: I bought a Dana 60! Burt, I am definitely interested to see your progress w/the kingpin/crossover steering project. Thanks. BTW: I just discovered a new problem/project. The driverside front leaf spring H.D. lift shackle on my rig is bent/twisted and the welds on the H-beam are cracking. It looks like the frame is bent there as well. Gonna need a custom crossmember....at least. __________________ ~John 71 Blazer One Ton 65 Chevelle Station Wagon x2 59 Belair 2 Door 71 Chevy Open Road Van RV www.myspace.com/johnnywagon

05-09-2007, 03:36 PM	#60
Roper Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Alberta Posts: 248	Re: I bought a Dana 60! Different year GMC one tons 4 wheel drives used different front brake lines. I know when I swapped in my dana 60 I didnt know the year so I ordered in about three different year models of brakelines before I got the right ones. But if you kbnow the year of the truck the dana 60 came out of its no problem. Also even with 4" of lift I didnt need extended brake lines. I just moved the brake lines down closer to the axle. Also that front driveshaft is the same on 1/2 tons and 1 tons. 205 takes a shorter shaft than a 208 but they are both the same diameter. The outer u joints on the dana 60 are the weak point. Those will usually go before your front driveshaft. Also for the studs on the housing of the dana 60. I ordered new studs from Superlift and they didnt fit. Then I ordered them from somebody else and they didnt fit either so I just reused the studs that came on my dana 60. About u bolts. Corporate 14 bolt FF came in 3 different houseing diameters of the years. Im going from memory but I think they came in 3 1/4", 3 3/8" and 3 1/2" So take dial calibers and measure your axle housing before ordering u bolts. Basically depending on what you have for suspension your going to have to find a place that custom makes ubolts. Any spring shop should be able to make them up.

05-09-2007, 07:00 PM	#62
johnnywagon Sofa King. We, Todd, Ed. Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Spokane, Wa. Posts: 631	Re: I bought a Dana 60! Oh great, more cool stuff I want to buy. Seriously, thanks Earl. __________________ ~John 71 Blazer One Ton 65 Chevelle Station Wagon x2 59 Belair 2 Door 71 Chevy Open Road Van RV www.myspace.com/johnnywagon Last edited by johnnywagon; 05-09-2007 at 07:00 PM.

05-10-2007, 10:09 AM	#63
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,689	Re: I bought a Dana 60! Awesome progress! Dana 60 looks right at home under your K5. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

05-10-2007, 01:46 PM	#64
johnnywagon Sofa King. We, Todd, Ed. Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Spokane, Wa. Posts: 631	Re: I bought a Dana 60! Thanks everyone for the compliments. Hopefully I'll hit the trail this Sunday. __________________ ~John 71 Blazer One Ton 65 Chevelle Station Wagon x2 59 Belair 2 Door 71 Chevy Open Road Van RV www.myspace.com/johnnywagon Last edited by johnnywagon; 05-10-2007 at 01:46 PM.

05-15-2007, 11:18 AM	#66
johnnywagon Sofa King. We, Todd, Ed. Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Spokane, Wa. Posts: 631	Re: I bought a Dana 60! The new front lockright locker works great!!!!! __________________ ~John 71 Blazer One Ton 65 Chevelle Station Wagon x2 59 Belair 2 Door 71 Chevy Open Road Van RV www.myspace.com/johnnywagon

05-16-2007, 01:31 AM	#68
earl87gta Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Kingsport TN Posts: 4,641	Re: I bought a Dana 60! danna 60 fronts like to let the front wobble a bit to fix it you can add an extra bushing for the king pin. you may have to add 2 some times just replacing the king pins help but most the time you have to add the extra bushing. __________________ Earl 68 2500 4x4 GMC Burb Last edited by earl87gta; 05-16-2007 at 01:31 AM.

05-16-2007, 11:06 AM	#69
johnnywagon Sofa King. We, Todd, Ed. Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Spokane, Wa. Posts: 631	Re: I bought a Dana 60! The locker works great!! Definitely going to need to fix the death-wobble. __________________ ~John 71 Blazer One Ton 65 Chevelle Station Wagon x2 59 Belair 2 Door 71 Chevy Open Road Van RV www.myspace.com/johnnywagon

05-20-2007, 08:39 PM	#70
scotto0609 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: new york Posts: 226	Re: I bought a Dana 60! Upper bushings and spring. Cheap easy fix.

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