4xPhil

I have found a 1979 Chey 1-ton Dually with a big block for auction. It has a Dana 60 up frt and a 14 bolt in the rear. The rear axle is narrower, but the frt would need to be cut. My co-worker will give me most ofwhat it will cost for the 454 an TH400 alone. Other than the labor I shouldn't have more than $500 in the rig.

I am just not sure what to look for in these big axles. Are there any pitfalls to stay away from. Its a current daily driver for a rescue team at the county. Utility box, fenders and cab are all really clean and straight.

I know I would need to change gears and get some lockers, but this would be a great start for a project build would it not?

Thanks in advance for your input.

joe bob

sounds like a sweat deal to me.

ktmracer419

there are much more desirable axles to swap in

caged

that 14 bolt is friggen huge, yer gonna need at least 40s so the diff isn't dragging down the road, let alone rocks on the trails.

but i do believe you can shave a 14 bolt.

Swamp Donkey

Even if you dont use the front/rear, that frontend can bring more then double your money back! Around here D60 fronts sell for no less then $800 and ive heard other places them going for around $1200. The Ton rearend dont bring that kinda money, but yet even if you sell just the rear, itll bring your money back for sure. Honestly a D60 doesnt really need any upgrades or has any down falls, other then being heavy, but thats nothing. Also if you do use these running gears, id recommend nothing smaller then a 38.5" tire, all because of the rearend housing size, its huge as im sure you know. Also youll have to run atleast a 16" wheel or get ready for a whole lot of grinding on the calipers to make a 15" wheel fit. I say go for it!. Anyone who wants full widths, ton running gears is the ultimate in my opinion.

TennesseeXJ

Also thats a chevy 60 so unless your gonna re-tube it, youll have to get a passenger drop transfer case cause the diff is on the wrong side

heep92

are you thinking about swapping them into your xj or building a rig out of the chevy itself?

Swamp Donkey

I completely forgot to mention that, well kinda figured he already knew but then again he might not, does now lol..

4xPhil

Yes, my thoughs are to start a crawler build with the axles, transfer case, and steering, If possible, chop the frame rails to shorten to 100-104" wheelbase and yet retain the strength and go up from there. Get a small block with TBI and 5.33's (I know I will have to run 40s to clear anything). Might take 1-2 years but then just "set" a body on it.

I just new there are so many type 60's, I was hoping this was a good one to start with. All of you are correct the 14 bolt is super strong, way too big, but they are really cheap. I'm told the duallys are the way to go because they are narrower than standard. So all you have to narrow is the front 60.

ktmracer419

those 60's can be had pretty cheap

what you want is a ford 60

78-79 are considered gold due to the longer tube on the drivers side. but any year to present have been used with success

4.3L XJ

Cheap doesn't make it better. If you are going to do a project like this, get what you want, not just whatever falls your way.

BlueXJ

14s are still plenty strong. As 4.3 says don't settle get what you want and need to make it bulletproof.

huntingman2706217

i had a 14 bolt in the back of my 72 chevy and that thing was a hoss... 16's are the smallest you can go... and its tight... gotta have the right backspacing... mine was drums... i think most are... i think its all perfect for a toy trail rig... id even keep the 454 and tranny and everything...