Dana 60 or 44?

[Chevysoldier77]

So, I'm lifting my truck, getting rid of the IFS and putting a Dana 60 in the rear. I was planning on putting a Dana 60 in the front as well, but I mentioned this in another thread and someone said that it would look stupid because the Dana 60 is too long. He said I should a Dana 44. I've never heard that before and I had several people recommend that I put 2 Dana 60's. Opinions?

[75K30]

Not real clear on the question here.
If you feel that you need a D60 in the front of your truck, then dont even consider a D60 for the rear. See, the 60's are very different from front to rear. Rear D60's are only 30 spline, and weak as can be. A rear D60 is only as strong as a D44. The only dofference is that when a D44 breaks an axle, the wheel falls off. When a D60 axle breaks, the wheel stays on.
Overall strength is about the same.
Now as far as a D60 being "too long" we might have to consider what this actually means. Too long, or too wide? Which is it? D44's were available in full sized rigs, as were D60's. They are the same width.
Perhaps the length difference is in the actual size of the ring gear, and, yes it is true, that the 60 is larger, and this will require a shorter driveshaft.


What are your plans for your truck??????

[Lonesome7.3]

I remember you. Didn't you say something about playing in the mud on 38's? If so and if you are running big power maybe a 60 is a good choice. I hate saying that becuase the Chevy guys are the ones making the Ford 60's so **** exspensive. I have gotten good use out of a D44 I had in a mud truck some time back. It was a 77 with a 351 modified on 38 in ground hawgs and I never broke an axle. It has a lot to do with how you drive it.

[Chevysoldier77]

Okay, I've got a 2000 Chevy with a 5.3 V8. I'm going up to 39 inch Super Swampers and it's going to be pretty much a straight mud truck. Drags etc. Maybe trails every once in awhile, but I'm building it for the mud. Someone said that a Dana 60 was longer, so the wheels would stick out way to far and the truck would look dumb. Not really sure that it would be that noticeable, or that I really care since I'm building it to play in. Eventually, I'm going to either put in a bigger engine, or up the horsepower a lot. What kind of axles do you recomend I use?

[Lonesome7.3]

Uless you are using a 60 with dually hubs it will not stick out. Tell that person he or she is an idiot. If you are running or plan to run big power and have a heavy foot a 60 might be your best bet. However, like I said before a 44 can do the job depending on how you drive.

[harley9703]

i have dana 60's in the front and rear the fit well under a full size. i would go with 60's if you plan on hammering it.

do what ya want if its built right with 39's you wont break even a 44


you get more ground clearance with a 44

[Lonesome7.3]

Originally Posted by harley9703

i have dana 60's in the front and rear the fit well under a full size. i would go with 60's if you plan on hammering it.

do what ya want if its built right with 39's you wont break even a 44


you get more ground clearance with a 44

Very good points and very true.

[75K30]

[quote=harley9703;101699]i have dana 60's in the front and rear the fit well under a full size. i would go with 60's if you plan on hammering it. do what ya want if its built right with 39's you wont break even a 44
[/quot


you cant possibly hammer on that thing?

Really.........

[Lonesome7.3]

I wish I could see the photographs.

[harley9703]

i said if it was built right. no the maroon truck is/was a terd. now its going coilovers 2.5tons and a efi 460 with 54's on an 18''wide wheel i think it will qualify. and the blue truck was built solid with a crate 350 44/14bolt with 4:88's lockers front and rear and 44's. so like i said if its built right