Dana 60 axles have been used in a wide range of road production vehicles. These axles have been used in Ford, Chrysler, GMC, Chevrolet, Jeep and more. This is a very popular 3/4-ton and 1-ton axle for trucks and SUVs. Their versatility, durability, and availability make them a great choice for a rebuilt, renewed or repaired axle. They come in both front and rear-axle versions.
Types of Dana 60 Axles
Dana Super 60
The Dana Super 60 is an upgraded, or a beefier version of the Dana 60 axle. There are a few differences between the Dana Super 60 and the Dana 60. These include:
- Larger and thicker diameter steel tubes (3.75 inches diameter and ½ in thick)
- Some use larger universal joints. These joints can handle increased torque and allow for a greater steering angle.
- Larger ring and pinion
- It may come with net-formed spider gears for increased strength.
Quadrasteer
Quadrasteer in GM trucks in 2002–2005 was based on the Dana 60. Constant velocity (CV) joints were used instead of universal joints in these rear axles.
Dana 61
This version of the Dana 60, the Dana 61 is modified to allow gear ratios that allow better fuel mileage. This version allows for a greater pinion offset, and because of this offset a different carrier and ring and pinion needed to be used.
Dana 60 Variants
GM
The GM variants of the Dana 60 feature a passenger-side differential drop, standard rotation gears and kingpin knuckles. Earlier versions used 35 spline axle shafts and later versions used either a 30 spline or 32 spline axle shaft. These were also used or are similar to the Dodge and Chevrolet variants.
Ford
The Ford variant features a driver’s side differential drop and reverse-cut gears. Earlier versions, up to 1991, featured kingpin knuckles. After 1991, this variant used ball joints instead of kingpin knuckles.
From 1977 to 1979 this version of the Dana 60 axle featured a low pinion design. They might have drum brakes, D44-sized axle shafts/universal joints (U-joints), and external hubs
After 1980 they changed the design for these axles to feature a high pinion design. They also may have a 35-spline axle shaft and larger brakes. This became standard in 2005.
Dodge
Dodge versions are similar to the GM variant. They have a passenger-side differential drop, standard rotation gears, kingpin knuckles and early versions had 35 spline axle shafts. The second generation version had axles that were a driver’s side differential drop with ball joints. The second generation uses 30 spline axle shafts instead of 35 splines. The models from 2000 to 2002 use 32 spline axle shafts.
Uses in production vehicles
Ford
Dana 60 axles have been used by Ford for a long time in both their front and rear axles. They still use Dana 60 axles in some of their vehicles for the front axle. Here are some models that have used Dana 60 axles:
- F-series trucks (1961-1991)
The Dana 60 was used in both their front and rear axles in the F-250 and F-350 trucks - Super duty trucks (1991-present)
These use Dana Super 60 axles in their F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty truck models. - E-series vans (1980-2012)
GM
There are a number of both GM and Chevrolet trucks, in particular their commercial trucks, Sierra, Yukon, Suburban and Silverado trucks that have used Dana 60 axles. While not exhaustive, these are some of the vehicles:
- GM/Chevrolet C30 and C31 (1964-1967)
Was used on the front axle of their 3/4-ton version - GM/Chevrolet C30 (1979-2012)
Used a Dana 60 axle for their rear axle - GM/Chevrolet C10, C20, C30, K10, K20, K30 and Suburban (1975-1987)
Was used on the front axle of their 3/4-ton and 1-ton versions - GM Sierra and Yukon (2002-2005)
- Chevrolet Suburban and Silverado (2002-2005)
Dodge
Dodge has used Dana 60 axles since the 1960s on their trucks. Generally, they used these as rear axles. Some models include:
- Dodge Ram 250 and 350 (1963-1993)
- Dodge Power Wagon (1972-1980)
This model used a Dana 60 for the front and rear axle - Dodge Ram 2500, V8 versions (1994-2002)
- Dodge Ram SRT-10 (2004-2006)