How to swap out a D50 for a D60

[junior3382]

Now with all this being said... back to original post for the OP. if you already have astraight axle, a D50 if I remember w/o looking, and want to upgrade, the swap is a lot easier since suspension and mounts and all the needed parts are already there.

Also keep in mind, this is a subject I have tried to research rediculously too, and I still do not know everything, and probably wont until I actually do it... So I am sure I left some important details out. But as I learn more, I will post back myself.

[Lonesome7.3]

Hmm, I am going to try and avoid an argument on this topic. For some reason on other sites people feel the need to argue with me when I defend the good ole D50 TTB. Upfront let me say it is all a matter of opinion. Just because I feel the D50 is often a better choice does not mean I look down on people who think differently. I do however feel that all TTB front end variations have an undeserved bad reputation. This is mostly due to hear-say and poor maintenance by some owners. Everything mechanical will fail unless taken care of. But, again that is a separate subject.

First off, it is not an IFS, it is a TTB front end. The differences can be discussed at a later time. The second issue is why would you want to swap out your D50 for a 60? I feel this is a good question to really think about before getting into the swap. I bring it up because you would be surprised at the number of people who go through with the swap and have absolutely no real use for a straight ax. These are the people who have hub failures simply because they never use them. It is these people that drove up the cost of Ford cut Dana 60’s. These people are the ones who motivated me to go back to my TTB front ends and find ways to make them better. Now, I am not saying the TTB is stronger or better than the 60. I see them as equals to some extent. However, they both have their strengths and weaknesses. Personally, unless I am running a big power, big tire, off road truck that will get beat on more than Tine Turner, then yes, I would go with a straight ax. But a well built D50 is just as good if not better than a 60 when it comes to a vehicle that is used primarily on pavement. Depending on the type of off road use, they also may be a better choice then as well. I have taken the time to identify some of the weak points the TTB’s over the years and I have built some **** nice trail rigs using that front end. As a matter of fact, I love going in behind people after they installed the 60 they just had to have and picking up their old TTB for nothing. Then out of spite, I build a better more capable rig using their “junk” D50.

In all seriousness, it is a big expense and a some what simple install. But why do it if it is not really necessary?

[Lonesome7.3]

Oh yeah, and let me clarify one thing. I was referring to a direct swap in a Ford TTB equipped truck. Not a purpose built one off custom or trail rig.

[Steve g.]

Originally Posted by Lonesome7.3

Hmm, I am going to try and avoid an argument on this topic. For some reason on other sites people feel the need to argue with me when I defend the good ole D50 TTB. Upfront let me say it is all a matter of opinion. Just because I feel the D50 is often a better choice does not mean I look down on people who think differently. I do however feel that all TTB front end variations have an undeserved bad reputation. This is mostly due to hear-say and poor maintenance by some owners. Everything mechanical will fail unless taken care of. But, again that is a separate subject.

First off, it is not an IFS, it is a TTB front end. The differences can be discussed at a later time. The second issue is why would you want to swap out your D50 for a 60? I feel this is a good question to really think about before getting into the swap. I bring it up because you would be surprised at the number of people who go through with the swap and have absolutely no real use for a straight ax. These are the people who have hub failures simply because they never use them. It is these people that drove up the cost of Ford cut Dana 60’s. These people are the ones who motivated me to go back to my TTB front ends and find ways to make them better. Now, I am not saying the TTB is stronger or better than the 60. I see them as equals to some extent. However, they both have their strengths and weaknesses. Personally, unless I am running a big power, big tire, off road truck that will get beat on more than Tine Turner, then yes, I would go with a straight ax. But a well built D50 is just as good if not better than a 60 when it come to a vehicle that is used primarily on pavement. Depending on the type of off road use, they also may be a better choice then as well. I have taken the time to identify some of the week points the TTB’s over the years and I have built some **** nice trail rigs using that front end. As a matter of fact, I love going in behind people after they installed the 60 they just had to have and picking up their old TTB for nothing. Then out of spite, I build a better more capable rig using their “junk” D50.

In all seriousness, it is a big expense and a some what simple install. But why do it if it is not really necessary?

What's TTB?

I'm not going to do the swap to a D60... we like the nice ride with the D50 I am just gathering info on how to do it. I was thinking about doing it but after more research I realized that I don't need it. I am still interested in how to do an axle swap though.

[Lonesome7.3]

TTB = Twin Traction Beam. That is the name ford gave what I think to be thier best suspension design. TIB or Twin I-beam is thier two wheel drive version. You hit one of the things I like about them. They ride a lot better then straight ax's. I converted my dually to a TTB D50 and I used coil springs and radius arms. It rides so nice. I just need to get home to finish it.

[junior3382]

I would not ardue with you, I see where you are comming from. i didn't even stop to think he might even be reffering to a TTB, all I saw was IFS to SAS swap possibilities, and went with it.... and then an upgrade from D50-D60.... everyone has their reason.... I have a friend with a lifted Jeep who wants to swap a D35 front for a D44.... not going to change his felx ability, or value, but it is what he wants.... so to each their own...

But for the idea of a true IFS system like from the mid size Rangers newer then 1997 and all toyotas, chevy's, Nissans and the Dakotas newer then 2001(?) ... And most 1/2 ton chevy and GMC trucks, and F150's from 1999(?) on might be older... and Dodge 1/2 tons from 2003 on, these true blue IFS systems to a solid axle are quite a project.

Now if he wants to swap in a D60 straight in replace of his D50... even though it may make no sense, the nice thing is, THAT is an easy swao since it is all but a bolt in deal... just some minor adjustments.... least that is how I see it anyways...

[Steve g.]

I don't want to replace D50 for D60... However.... I am interested in learning how to do it and would like to see some *pictures* of the process.

[junior3382]

of swaping a straight axle for a straight axle? Might be hard pics to find, but I seem to always stumble on stuff like that too, I will keep my eyes open. Now pics of swaping a true IFS to straight axle, these pics are everywhere! Infact, I think I posted a video collage of this process a few posts back.... best I can offer fro now, however... if you really need specialty pics like that, PM 75K30... he had, or has?, his own shop and may have pics like these.... might be an idea.

[Lonesome7.3]

IFS to straight ax is very involved. TTB50 to 60 is an easy bolt in. I helped my buddy swap in a D44 into his S10. That was a lot of work, but it was worth it.