DirtyBomb

So i picked up a dana60 of craigslist for $150. Its trussed, 4.10, with a crane diff cover and lincoln locked. It has no bom number on it i dont know what it came from, and its a 16 spline.
In reading after, i learned that a 16 spline is not very desireable. However, i figure it cant be that bad, it is a 60. Upgrading from a d35. Running 35-37s, whatever i can find.

Is this axle ok to swap in? Also looking for suggestions on a front to match. Dana 44 or 60? This is my first major axle swap, and im unfamiliar with full size full float axles. Are there any axles to swap in the front that does not have locking hubs? I prefer the convenience of just pulled the lever to shift into 4wheel.

Slick761

First you really don't need locking hubs unless you're running a Detroit locker or a spool. Second you should find out more about that d60. Im not a Dana expert but I know about rear ends and one never heard of a 16 spline in anything that's relatively modern, say post 50s or 60s

xjmarc

That would be a ford 60. They used 16 spline course shafts for years and they aren't the strongest but are decent. They can be swapped out but that requires swapping the spiders or carrier since yours is welded. They are a little narrower than later 60s at around 65" IIRC and you can find a matching 44 or 60 close to that. You can always run drive fanges instead of locking hubs but I prefer hubs incase I break a shaft.

sandaddik2

Unlocking hubs are convenient but if you don't listen you'll figure it out the hard way especially if you drive your rig to and from the trail. Rear 60s are dime a dozen you can find ones for 100-150 all day long. A front ford 60 are most desirable and you are most likely going to pay a lot for the front axle.

Also have you pulled out the shafts to see how big they are? You can have a 8 splines shaft that is stronger than a 30 spline it depends more on the diameter of the shaft. The reason we go by splines is because in most cases the more splines the bigger the shaft but ill bet my life that your 60ff shafts are not half the size of a 8.8 shaft.
Another thing is that if your running that big of an axle your going to Damn near scrap reflectors on your differ in the road with anything under 38s unless you shave the housing

Slick761

What years were 16 splines run?

DirtyBomb

Im pretty sure i saw 60hd stamped into the pumpkin too. But with 16 splines? I thought the hd was 35?

xjmarc

Don't remember exactly what year but they went to 30 spline in the 70s and later 35 spline in some versions.