Dana 60 front perch question.

[two-bit]

I think that the perch spacing on the (newer) king pin 60's is 36". If i remember right, the highboys run 34"???
I don't think its possible to remount the perches due to tube lengths and carrier housing placement

So....has anyone tried to offset the spring perches 1" out to match the newer spacing? or is this a really dumb idea?
I have been looking for months now for a '78/'79 Dana 60 with no luck.
Have had numerous hits on '8? to '91 king pin fronts but have avoided them thus far.

Any help here would be appreciated. If any of my info is wrong the correct info would be greatly appreciated also

Thanks all,

Two-bit

[averagef250]

It's a lot more than 1" per side. I have some of both trucks, but I don't need to go measure one to tell you I have done it, I put a 92 60 front under my '70 right after I bought it and the job was a big one and it ruined the original frame.

I built a new front crossmember from 3"X4"X.375" angle to mount the front of the springs from. The rear is the complex part. The inside shackle needs to sit against the inside of the sidewall of the framerail. I cut a 1/2" wide slit for the shackle to pass through and built my own mount to house urathane bushings.

All in all the 78-79 60 is a nicer axle except for the neck down shafts and 1/2" lugs. 78-79 60's have been expensive around here (the NW) for years now and it took me about 5 years to finally both have the cash and run across a solid axle for a fair price. I paid $1100 a few years ago for one that was all original (no brackets cut or modified), but flat worn out. With the economy in the toilet these days I see them for around a grand regularly.

I went to big lengths to undo using an 86+ 60 front. I was never happy with the way things fit. The choice is yours, but down the road you might be glad you waited for that 78-79 60 to come along.

[two-bit]

Thanks Average,
Patience is a virtue, just not one i have much of!!!!

I will keep looking.
Thanks
Two-bit

[71PA_Highboy]

I see them here for $550-850 depending on condition... may be picking up a couple this week for a friend.
Best deal I got was $100

Of course we have a lot of sno, therefore a lot of snofighters...

Keep looking Two-bit... you get a lot of snow too!

[fordman]

theres a dana 60 front axle on craigslist in kansas city right now. 150.00 not mine.

[two-bit]

I saw that Dana 60 Fordman.
Thats not the one that i want. That is a much older closed knuckle style that has smaller joints, axle shafts, drum brakes, and coarse spline axle shafts.
The Dana 60 i am looking for will have come from '78/'79 F-series and have larger joints, axle shafts, disc brakes, open knuckle, and "fine" spline axles, also high pinion and DRW hub compatible.
I have a lead on one about 300 miles (North) of me. Already has the DRW hubs on it and new axle seals, new axle joints, king pins, and the case was "cleaned" and repainted. He is asking $900. I haven't seen any pics yet, so i"m not sure i want to jump on it yet.
Thanks for the heads up.

Two-bit

[fordman]

would one from a 79 F250 supercab be the right one? i thought there was one in the junkyard here.