Strange 60 install on 65 b body...seeking guidance

mentor70 · May 14, 2020

I wasnt intending to install a Dana on my 65 Net, but things happen for a reason sometimes

got a link from a close friend on a Super 60 housing for sale at a good price, it needs to be fabbed to the car, so i could use some insight from those that have gone this route.

probably going to run rear disc brakes, HD Mopar leaf springs plus Caltrax

do i set up the axle like a factory one? like the offest tubes and such?

anything to be concerned with?...pitfalls to watch out for?

493 Mike · May 15, 2020

If you have to weld on housing ends and cut the axles I would go with the factory offset. Why do you want to use the HD springs? If you are going with CalTrac bars, use their mono leaf springs and save some weight. Are you going to mini tub or use full wheel tubs? These cars have a lot of fenderwell. Look how fast the guys are going with small tires today.
Mike

66Satellite47 · May 15, 2020

If the engine/trans is in stock location you need to keep the offset the same. My '65 used an inner half mini tub, springs moved in frame rails, some massaging of the stock outer wheel well AND the front of wheel well to fit a 30"+ tire. Get good 35 spline axles, spool if a drag car, housing ends & bearings to match the brakes you want. If you're going to CalTracs, do their split mono leafs & the good external adjustable shocks. Easy for me to spend your money!

mentor70 · May 15, 2020

thanks for the imput so far, that settles a couple of the main issues.
i do have a TTi 3 inch full system id like to use, so i need to be wary of how much i want to move the springs inward, if at all, and overall tire witdth.

not sure what wheels i want to run in the end, so i got to figure this out next.

66Satellite47 · May 15, 2020

Wheel back space is critical to your width calculations. be sure to plan on a readily available wheel backspace for rim width you plan on. I think TTI has the parts for moved in springs.

Cranky · May 15, 2020

I've narrowed and set up several Dana 60's with equal length axles.......and gear setup is the same. Each ring and pinion comes marked for depth and backlash is set up accordingly. If it's a Super 60, it'll have (should) carrier side adjusters in it.

andyf · May 15, 2020

You need to put the wheels and tires in the car and then measure between the wheels so you know how long the axle needs to be. This is not a job for a rookie! You need to know what the distance from the end of the tubes to the wheel. It depend on which ends you use and which brakes so you have to be careful. Get some help if you're a rookie. Measure 3 times and cut once.

Suregrip391 · May 15, 2020

Cranky, isn’t your driveshaft now running at an angle and not centered in the tunnel? This does not pose an issue at all? Just curious on this type of setup. I’ve heard of others doing this as well. Thanks

33 IMP · May 15, 2020

I agree with Andy. If you are gonna mini tub it , do that first. If you are gonna move the springs, do that first. If you are gonna keep stock wheelwells, get the tires and wheels and brakes you want to use first, and then make the rearend fit.

Cranky · May 15, 2020

Suregrip391 said:
Cranky, isn’t your driveshaft now running at an angle and not centered in the tunnel? This does not pose an issue at all? Just curious on this type of setup. I’ve heard of others doing this as well. Thanks

Like anyf says, mock it up. He didn't say anything about the drive shaft being centered in the tunnel but even if it's not centered, it won't be out much. Heck, I've seen shafts out some even with the 8 3/4 rear.....but it's usually not enough to worry about.

andyf · May 15, 2020

If I'm building a car from the ground up I'll slide a long bar thru a block and a transmission case. Then you put the rearend in the car and line it up with the center of the bar. Once everything is lined up properly you can take your measurements and figure out where the leaf spring perches are going and all of that.

mentor70 · May 15, 2020

Cranky said:
I've narrowed and set up several Dana 60's with equal length axles.......and gear setup is the same. Each ring and pinion comes marked for depth and backlash is set up accordingly. If it's a Super 60, it'll have (should) carrier side adjusters in it.

yes, its a Super 60, so yeah, it has the side adjusters, and drain plug.
so if i go equal length axles, as long as the pinion angle is proper, there shouldnt be any other issues to worry about? vibration wise.

Strange 60 install on 65 b body...seeking guidance

mentor70

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493 Mike

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66Satellite47

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mentor70

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66Satellite47

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Cranky

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andyf

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Suregrip391

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33 IMP

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Cranky

Banned Henchman #27

andyf

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mentor70

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