Fullsize Ford Dana 60 Install On 73 Bronco

[oldspartan]

Fullsize Ford Dana 60 install on 73 Bronco
Anyone have info on such a swap or have done one? Instead of paying for disc conversion, new gears, and locker. I would rather just step up to the 60.
Thanks

 

[Gunner]

hmmmm. this is a fairly new site and i dont think anyone on here has performed something like that. now you can try asking that question in this forum full size bronco

 

[4xfan78]

Yes, Broncoholics has done this there is a pic of the bronco. Look in the 78-79 bronco look at the post that I did on the "great deal" 78 bronco.

 

[Broncoholics]

First off a Dana60 is 6" wider on the passenger side and only 1/2" wider on the drivers. The best thing is to have a machine shop cut the passenger side axle tube back several inches so it sits under the Bronco evenly. Then have the D60 shafts cut and resplined to fit. This way it will be the same width as the D44.

Its easy to convert if you stay with radius arms. First cut off the radius arm axle wedges from your D44 with a sawzall. Then they have to be ground down so that they will fit the wider tube of a D60 in conjunction with the D44 radius arms/ bushings. I've seen the correct wedges for the D60 axle on a web site which makes a perfect fit with your D44 parts. I'll have to search that out again. Most times doing a search on the web will give tons of ideas.
Others have made a simple 1" spacer that is placed between the radius arm and cap and add longer bolts so it fits the wider tube D60.
To get the wedges in the correct location on the axle you have to install the c-bushings and radius arms with the wedges inside the bushings and install the coils. Even though the wedges are not welded to the axle yet the truck will still stand. Once the suspension is installed put the tires on and rotate the axle to the desired angle (so driveline looks inline with t-case) then space the c-bushings right to left on the axle, then tac weld the wedges inplace. Tear everything down and weld the wedges on real good and re-assemble. Then make a trac bar mout on the axle. Best thing is to get an adjustable trac bar and adj. drag link. The draglink to the pitman arm (steering box end) might need to be reamed slightly for the larger rod end. Or drill and use heim joints and be done.

I've seen some people run hummer rims since the are an inset rim and take up the axle width problem. Then use an adjustable trac bar and drag link to center it under the Bronco. The bad part is the hubs stick out and can get hung up on stuff on the trail. b-(

Eric