Dana 53?

BudW · Feb 3, 2017

I was looking in my ’67 Dodge FSM (Factory Service Manual) and ran across this in the propeller shaft section.

I noticed three different propeller shaft lengths (for the Dodge B-body) for 4-speeds:
383 w/8-3/4” (blue arrow) 52.03”
426 w/9-3/4” (red arrow) 50.90”
440 w/9-1/4” (orange arrow) 51.81” (which also is same length for 426, 440 automatic with 8-3/4”).
That got me wondering about the 9-1/4” differential (My Question #1).
It also made me wonder why driveshaft lengths are different between them (My Question #2).

Then, I went to differential section of same book and took these two pictures.

Google research led me to http://www.forcbodiesonly.com/mopar-forum
Where I found out the 9-1/4” is actually a Dana 53 (also used in older Jeeps).
C-bodies used the Dana 53 in ’67-68 (only) behind 440 HP 4-speeds (only).

It appears (from what I can read about), the same Dana 53 was also used in ’67 (and maybe ’68’s ???) B-bodies with 440 4-speeds, whereas the 426 4-speed cars got the Dana 60.

Is this correct? (My Question #1).
Has anyone ever ran across a 9-1/4” in a ’67 B-body (or in ’68) (My Question 1a)?

Further looking into my ’67 C-body FSM, I ran across this:

Note: the driveshaft length are all the same.

Also in my ’67 parts manual

A 3.31 to 1 ratio - an odd ratio for Chrysler

Other than axles sharing the same as their 8-3/4” counterpart, it doesn’t appear anything else interchanges between the Dana 53 and Dana 60.

BudW · Feb 3, 2017

Link to Dana 53 in a C-body http://www.forcbodiesonly.com/mopar-forum/threads/68-440-4-speed-rear-end.23307/

(A picture from the above link)

- - -

A Dana 60 (pic swiped from internet)

The Dana 53’s has been confirmed in C-bodies and it appears should also be in B-bodies (and no, not the 9-1/4” corporate axle version).

Now, onto my question #2.
According to my ’67 C-body FSM and my ’67 parts manual, the propeller shaft length is the same between 8-3/4” and Dana 53.
Why is it not the same length between same on B-body (Auto or 4-speed as well as 8-3/4” and 9-1/4”)? (My Question #2).

BudW

mmissile · Feb 3, 2017

My 67 Fury [440/4-speed]had one. It was smaller than a 60....and not the 9 1/4[corporate] everybody is familiar with.

dart4forte · Feb 3, 2017

mmissile said:
My 67 Fury had one. It was smaller than a 60.

I've had several in Full size wagons and C Body sedans and hardtops.

BudW · Feb 4, 2017

dart4forte said:
I've had several in Full size wagons and C Body sedans and hardtops.

I’m not debating the C-body Dana 53 (it’s well established).

I’m wondering a Dana 53 was ever factory installed in a B-body (’67 440 4speed, or maybe even a ’68, to be exact).

I’ve seen a few ’67 & 68 B-body 440 4 speed cars and seen they had “a Dana” in them – but never knew there “might have been” two different Dana possibility’s.
I know once I did see a "Dana", I don't look any further (or at least before now).

It could have been a FSM error, or it was planned to use a Dana 53, but last minute change not to use it – IDK.
BudW

dart4forte · Feb 4, 2017

BudW said:
I’m not debating the C-body Dana 53 (it’s well established).

I’m wondering a Dana 53 was ever factory installed in a B-body (’67 440 4speed, or maybe even a ’68, to be exact).

I’ve seen a few ’67 & 68 B-body 440 4 speed cars and seen they had “a Dana” in them – but never knew there “might have been” two different Dana possibility’s.
I know once I did see a "Dana", I don't look any further (or at least before now).

It could have been a FSM error, or it was planned to use a Dana 53, but last minute change not to use it – IDK.
BudW

I would imagine that the 8.75, since it was plentiful was used in lieu of the Dana 53 in B bodies. Only time I saw the 53 was in 4 speed C bodies and one in a full size wagon that came with a 4 speed.

65Fury440 · Feb 4, 2017

Hey that's my 60 and garage floor!
Perches are welded, should be installed this week.
PS please PM me for address to send royalty payments.

BudW · Feb 4, 2017

65Fury440 said:
Hey that's my 60 and garage floor!
Perches are welded, should be installed this week.
PS please PM me for address to send royalty payments.
View attachment 393186

I'm jealous – for that is a mighty fine looking differential you have there.
If you want, I can take the picture down?

The only Dana I’ve ever owned is a Dana 80, that’s in my Diesel pickup – which I think it weighs in as much as what one of today’s jelly beans total weight, is (excluding driver) . . .

65Fury440 · Feb 4, 2017

"I'm jealous – for that is a mighty fine looking differential you have there.
If you want, I can take the picture down?

The only Dana I’ve ever owned is a Dana 80, that’s in my Diesel pickup – which I think it weighs in as much as what one of today’s jelly beans total weight, is (excluding driver) . . ."

Thanks, my diff is just a little above average but I'm not ashamed.
You can leave the pic up.
Your Dana 80 is impressive, but really, how many cars can you actually fit it in?

BudW · Feb 4, 2017

65Fury440 said:
. . . but really, how many cars can you actually fit it in?

I think the question should be: How many of today’s cars, could my Dana 80 make, if melted down?
Each of my rear brake drums weight as much as I do.

Getting back to Dana 53’s in ’67 (or ’68) B-bodies ???

65Fury440 · Feb 4, 2017

I believe the 53 was only made in the 67-68 C body width. The 53 isnt near as beefy as a 60. It's been a while but, I recall it being closer to a 44 in strength. Other than being an oddity, hardky an upgrade from an 8 3/4. IMO

65Fury440 · Feb 4, 2017

In addition- you are right though. Personally I could look at a 53 under a B body and just assume it was a 60 without a second glance.

TxDon · Feb 4, 2017

The Dana 53 was also used in 1956 Packards, 1949 to 65 Lincolns, and 1957 Mercury.

BudW · Feb 4, 2017

Corrections (in red):
The Dana 53 was also used in several Jeep models, 1956 Packards, 1949 to 65 Lincolns, 1957 Mercury, 1967-68 C-bodies with 440 4-speeds and maybe (not sure yet) 1967-68 B-bodies with 440 4-speeds.

62MAX · Aug 12, 2019

This one supposedly came out of a 66 Satellite,no reason to doubt the fellow I got it from,3.31 sure grip,bolted right into my 62 Savoy wagon,no need to change anything.

Dana 53?

BudW

Well-Known Member

BudW

Well-Known Member

mmissile

Well-Known Member

dart4forte

FBBO Gold Member

BudW

Well-Known Member

dart4forte

FBBO Gold Member

65Fury440

Well-Known Member

BudW

Well-Known Member

65Fury440

Well-Known Member

BudW

Well-Known Member

65Fury440

Well-Known Member

65Fury440

Well-Known Member

TxDon

Well-Known Member

BudW

Well-Known Member

62MAX

Well-Known Member

Similar threads