Front Axle swap

[Teutonictxn]

I currently have a 1980 GMC Jimmy with a 10-bolt front axle. I want to replace this with a Dana 60. What all comes into play when changing to a Dodge/Ford Dana 60? I am just curious if I should continue to look for a GMC/Chevy Dana 60 for ease of swap...
Any advice/details would be helpful all.

Thanks!

 

[red]

umm, the ford d60 is a driver side drop whereas your gmc is a passanger side, so wouldnt work unless you are planning to use a differant t-case and reroute your exhaust.

the spring perches on the dodge d60 are at a differant width than your gmc, but that just takes cutting the old ones off and welding new ones on. easiest thing to do though would be to get a gm d60 and use that, direct bolt in.

 

[Teutonictxn]

Thank You for the information. Just to make sure I completely understand: A GMC/Chevy D60 would be ideal, but if I plan to strip the axle mounts down regardless and retrofit for coilovers then I could use Dodge. Ford is out because I don't want to relocate my transfer case.
Again Thanks.

 

[kowe69]

Just out of curiosity, what axle do you have in the rear? 14 bolt? Or another 10 Bolt?

 

[RockMonkey]

Thank You for the information. Just to make sure I completely understand: A GMC/Chevy D60 would be ideal, but if I plan to strip the axle mounts down regardless and retrofit for coilovers then I could use Dodge. Ford is out because I don't want to relocate my transfer case.
Again Thanks.

Not all front 60s are created equal. You should start here:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/60_front/index.html

 

[Teutonictxn]

Just purchased a Dana 60 for the rear. I started stripping it down, grinding off the perches and such. Looking at a spool currently and new axles (35 spline).
Looking for front at the moment for cheap so I can rebuild.

 

[RockMonkey]

Just purchased a Dana 60 for the rear. I started stripping it down, grinding off the perches and such. Looking at a spool currently and new axles (35 spline).
Looking for front at the moment for cheap so I can rebuild.

I presume it's a full-float 60. How are you going to open up the spindles to make room for the 35 spline shafts?

 

[Teutonictxn]

It is currently semi-float with 35 spline shafts. Haven't decided to go semi-float or full float... Just doing research into it now.

 

[red]

a stronger rear axle would be a 14 bolt full floater unless you plan on doing rear steering. 10.5" ring gear, the 9.5" 14 bolt is a semi-floater (found in the 3/4 tons).

 

[Teutonictxn]

Well, I have already purchased a Dana 60 for the rear. Plan to stay semi-float on it with 35-spline shafts and spooled. Nothing too fancy; just basic...

Only really had the questions about the front as I can't seem to find a really cheap (less than $100) Dana 60 front to rebuild.

 

[rondo]

When you do let me know
there are guys on here that want that much for a D30

 

[Teutonictxn]

Well, I will be searching around and I will let you know what I find. I did find the rear Dana 60, mentioned above, last weekend for $75. I will be selling the 4.10 carrier and 35 spline/8 lug axles from that to make up that cost. Then rebuild it from scratch. I have a call in to a guy for a Dana 60 front axle out of a '91 suburban he has listed for $100 in some local classifieds. Trying to get verification on brakes and such but I will probably be getting that this weekend.

 

[red]

unless he swapped in the d60 himself thats a gm 10 bolt in the front of that suburban. if you ever find a dana 60 front for 100 bucks thats in rebuildable condition, heck even 300 is pretty rare, snatch it up in a heartbeat.

 

[hammerhead]

'91 'burb didn't come with a D60 front axle.

I hope you arent holding your breathe waiting for a $100 D60 front.

Rear D60s are everywhere so they are cheap. Fronts are NOT...

 

[Teutonictxn]

I understand. I have been on the lookout for awhile and I will continue to look. I know they don't come as cheap as rears. I wouldn't mind paying a bit more depending on condition of course.
I want to thank everyone for the responses and the input!

 

[1993yj]

If you find a D60 front for $800, that is a good deal. They are usually anywhere from $1000 - $1500. Ford ones usually go for more, but the Chevy ones aren't too cheap either.

 

[red]

definatly the cheapest option is to find a chevy/gmc 1 ton 4x4 truck from 73-92 (old body style, not IFS) and strip the axles from it.

 

[kowe69]

definatly the cheapest option is to find a chevy/gmc 1 ton 4x4 truck from 73-92 (old body style, not IFS) and strip the axles from it.

That's what I did, still cost me $1300 for the whole truck. I parted some of it out and recouped some of my money. Trust me, it is likely you will never find a front GM D60 for $100 even if it was completely trashed. I've looked. As for the rear, you could easily find a 14 bolt that will bolt right in without any modifications for $100. Trying to make that rear D60 work will cost you more money in the end.

 

[mbryson]

That's what I did, still cost me $1300 for the whole truck. I parted some of it out and recouped some of my money. Trust me, it is likely you will never find a front GM D60 for $100 even if it was completely trashed. I've looked. As for the rear, you could easily find a 14 bolt that will bolt right in without any modifications for $100. Trying to make that rear D60 work will cost you more money in the end.

I think I paid $150 for my dually one. It was missing a hub. However, I looked far and wide for a LONG time (maybe two years?) and found in quite an unlikely (but likely) place. I do have QUITE a bit more into it than that now, though.

 

[kowe69]

I think I paid $150 for my dually one. It was missing a hub. However, I looked far and wide for a LONG time (maybe two years?) and found in quite an unlikely (but likely) place. I do have QUITE a bit more into it than that now, though.

Wow! I guess you must be the exception.

Teutonictxn, though not impossible to find one for cheap, it's just very difficult and obviously time consuming. Although a great deal, mbryson's was a dually with a missing hub. These versions are often cheaper dew to lower demand but money saved is often spent on parts to convert it to the more desirable and more expensive SRW version.