Hi. I know that there was a similar threat earlier about this subject but I can no longer see the links so I can't see the specifics. I was considering swapping in a Dana 60 rear axle from a 1975 dodge. Assuming the gearing is the same as the front, how hard will swapping the axle be? I have a 1991 dodge W150 w/ the 9.25 in the rear. Just looking for some input, thanks.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/mdf/pts/3058217938.html

 

You will have to weld spring perches on to the top of that axle for it to bolt to your springs. Make sure they are the right width for your 1/2 ton springs...

Driveshaft will need to be shortened slightly... But shortening is cheap since no new material is required. Oh wait, maybe that driveshaft comes with? Try to get it, you might be able to use it as is, if not you can combine yours and it.

The 60 will probably take a bigger ujoint than your 9 1/4, so when you have it shortened you should make sure the end piece you put back on the shaft matches the pinion yoke.
I don't know exactly what the speedo systems were for either your truck or whatever that axle is out of, but you want to make sure you will be able to make it work.

 

Hmm.. Okay. Thanks for the input 2x1972. It doesn't sound all too complicated. (But it probably is...) It does look like he is selling the drive shaft along with the axle. I am going to talk to him tomorrow about the gearing.

On a side note, I saw that there are a couple of guys near me parting out their 3/4 trucks that are much closer to my year (92 & 93). Would the 60s' out of those be any easier/better? Thanks.

 

Could be. The real treat would be if you could score a pair from a 3/4 ton (60 front end) with drive shafts. It's really not that complicated, especially if you know your way around a welder. If so the only work you would have to outsource would be drive line balancing. Also, axles out of trucks should not need relocated perches.

 

Yeah that would be something. It's too bad that it seems like all the trucks being parted out around me (pick n pull included) don't seem to have the heavier duty models or the 4x4s. Well thanks again for the info

 

No problem. Good luck with the project

 

Seems like a lucky day. I found a guy parting out a 92 w250 that has the front D44 and rear D60 and driveshafts. He is wanting 1000 for the pair.

Another guy parting out a 92 d250 wanting $250 for the rear D60. Only problem is that I have a swb model so I don't think the stock driveshafts would fit directly.

I think I'm just going to go for the Dana 60 rear since I already have the 44 up front.

What do you think of the pricing?

 

The only reason to buy the set is if it has a 60 front end. The point of getting the driveshafts was to use the ujoint end from the 60 driveshaft on whichever shaft you end up shortening, so that the ujoint fits, since they are probably different from the 9 1/4 joints in it now. Kopeesh?? haha I think I spelled that wrong...

 

Right. I had originally thought that one of the guys had 60/60 but later found out the front was a 44. And I see about the driveshaft shortening - basically I just want the yoke then. Anyways, thanks.

 

Good luck! And post up a few pics of your truck if ya can