Wanting to pick a few brians
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Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Wisconsin
Why bother going with ford 60's versus using a Dodge Dana 60 from a second gen? It would be far easier to swap in and lifts would be more off the shelf saving money in the long run.
If you really want to go leaf sprung you need to consider a few things.
First which side the pinion is on. 2nd gen dodges are drivers side drop so your axle options are limited. 1st gen Dodges and solid axle GM's are passenger side drop so they are out (unless you swap t-cases and move exhaust to other side but then in would interfere with fuel tank ect.).
Next is lug pattern. Superduty axles have a metric lug pattern so you would have to use both front and rear axles to stay metric. Anything pre 1998 from ford and anything dodge or GM will be 8x6.5" standard and your wheel options will be greater and cheaper so I suggest staying older.
3rd is strength. With 46" you are actually getting into 2.5ton rockwell axles if you plan on off-roading a lot. Those tires are getting pretty big for a dana 60 (I think randy's ring and pinion only rates they for 44" tires). Also 92-98 fords had ball joints which are not as strong as the king pins from earlier years (GM and dodge used kingpins).
I almost forgot, Skip the Dana 60 rear, if you are running 46" tires get a Dana 80, GM 14 bolt, or 10.25 Sterling (ford) rear axle.
If you really want to go leaf sprung you need to consider a few things.
First which side the pinion is on. 2nd gen dodges are drivers side drop so your axle options are limited. 1st gen Dodges and solid axle GM's are passenger side drop so they are out (unless you swap t-cases and move exhaust to other side but then in would interfere with fuel tank ect.).
Next is lug pattern. Superduty axles have a metric lug pattern so you would have to use both front and rear axles to stay metric. Anything pre 1998 from ford and anything dodge or GM will be 8x6.5" standard and your wheel options will be greater and cheaper so I suggest staying older.
3rd is strength. With 46" you are actually getting into 2.5ton rockwell axles if you plan on off-roading a lot. Those tires are getting pretty big for a dana 60 (I think randy's ring and pinion only rates they for 44" tires). Also 92-98 fords had ball joints which are not as strong as the king pins from earlier years (GM and dodge used kingpins).
I almost forgot, Skip the Dana 60 rear, if you are running 46" tires get a Dana 80, GM 14 bolt, or 10.25 Sterling (ford) rear axle.
Last edited by Gerehead8; Nov 24, 2010 at 08:58 PM.
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I have a kingpin front out of a ford the pinion is same side as my truck. As far as the rear goes im lookin for an sterling out of a 15 passenger van cause there already disk brakes.Im only using the leafsprings from a newer superduty there 3" wide and i can buy ten lift for a supeduty for about 650. My main reason with doin the ford axels is that is what ALL my buddies run and parts are readly available to me. As far as dana 60 strength as long as ur not on rocks you will be fine with 46's I have 4 buddies that run 46" claws with no problem in the mudd! I even have a buddy running 48" ag tires on a 60 with no problem. Axels will take alot in mudd going straight! As far as lug pattern goes I agree superduty rims are way to salty 8x6.5 is the only way to go! As far as off the shelf goes ive never been that kinda guy. Im very confident in my fab skills and if i can build it instead of buying it i will and the price for a custom 4link lift is crazy compared to leafsprings and buying some steel and spending some time and effort!