Dana 60 build

[69clone]

Hi guys, I've been shopping around at Dana 60's (Strange, Mooser, Dr. Diff, Dutchman) and before I make an expensive purchase like this I was just curious if there was anything you wish you had done differently with yours? and if there was a specific company you prefer? Like moving the perches in an inch to get a bigger tire or different studs?
Basically what I'm looking at is:
Dana 60
Standard 68-70 B body width
5x4.5" bolt pattern
Detroit Locker 35 spline
4.10 Performance Gears
1350 Forged w/billet cap Pinion yoke
Chrome cover
Studs I'm clueless I've been asking for 1/2" x 20 x 3" (believe I need 3" for NHRA rules)
Adjustable Pinion snubber.
and black powder coating.

I appreciate any feedback!
~ Nick

 

[moper]

Remember moving perches means you have to either move or offset the leaf springs to match. In minor cases that's offset shackles. In others it's relocation kits and mini-tubbing.

 

[Cranky]

You might price compare a Detroit Locker vs the stock style Power Lock. They are clutch plate units and are much tougher than the ones for the 8 3/4....probably because they are bigger. The unit on the left is for a 60....

 

[69clone]

Any idea how it would hold up against a Detroit locker? The places I've mentioned only list the spool, trac-loc, truetrac and the detroit locker.

You might price compare a Detroit Locker vs the stock style Power Lock. They are clutch plate units and are much tougher than the ones for the 8 3/4....probably because they are bigger. The unit on the left is for a 60....

 

[Cranky]

Any idea how it would hold up against a Detroit locker? The places I've mentioned only list the spool, trac-loc, truetrac and the detroit locker.

I know the originals hold up very well but to compare it with a DL....I have no idea how long DL's last and you DO NOT want a Trac Loc. The clutches are out board of the side gears and use a one piece carrier and are not very easy to rebuild and don't hold up to abuse. The one that's in my 9 1/4 2000 Durango (factory) started acting up at 25k miles and it wasn't abused at all and acted up again at 35k miles. And just about everyone I know that has one in a Dana 60 pickup it isn't working anymore. I'd rather have a cone style Sure Grip than a Trac Loc any day! Don't know much about the TrueTracs but iirc, I've heard complaints about them being noisy and I've never heard anything bad about the DL's. Have you talked to any of the rear end builders like Dr. Diff about what's available?

 

[CHARGERSTEVEN]

I know the originals hold up very well but to compare it with a DL....I have no idea how long DL's last and you DO NOT want a Trac Loc. The clutches are out board of the side gears and use a one piece carrier and are not very easy to rebuild and don't hold up to abuse. The one that's in my 9 1/4 2000 Durango (factory) started acting up at 25k miles and it wasn't abused at all and acted up again at 35k miles. And just about everyone I know that has one in a Dana 60 pickup it isn't working anymore. I'd rather have a cone style Sure Grip than a Trac Loc any day! Don't know much about the TrueTracs but iirc, I've heard complaints about them being noisy and I've never heard anything bad about the DL's. Have you talked to any of the rear end builders like Dr. Diff about what's available?

Buy any chance is the one on right for a 489 setup

 

[CHARGERSTEVEN]

Buy any chance is the one on right for a 489 setup

N how do send a pm now

 

[69clone]

I know the originals hold up very well but to compare it with a DL....I have no idea how long DL's last and you DO NOT want a Trac Loc. The clutches are out board of the side gears and use a one piece carrier and are not very easy to rebuild and don't hold up to abuse. The one that's in my 9 1/4 2000 Durango (factory) started acting up at 25k miles and it wasn't abused at all and acted up again at 35k miles. And just about everyone I know that has one in a Dana 60 pickup it isn't working anymore. I'd rather have a cone style Sure Grip than a Trac Loc any day! Don't know much about the TrueTracs but iirc, I've heard complaints about them being noisy and I've never heard anything bad about the DL's. Have you talked to any of the rear end builders like Dr. Diff about what's available?

Thanks Cranky, I talked to Joey at elite vintage awhile back and I'm pretty sure it was the track lock he told me he wouldn't recommend one for anything over 500hp or anything running slicks. Now I don't know if its just what he wanted to sell me because it was most expensive option but he recommended I go with the Detroit locker and said I shouldn't have to ever open it up, that they are bullet proof. The only negative I've heard about them is that they make a loud clank when engaging (which shouldn't bug me). But I will definitely take a look at the power lock and ask someone like Dr diff.

 

[hangn0ut]

I've had a factory sure grip in my dana for so long I'am not even sure which one it is. 30 years of abuse and not a whimper.

 

[65hemi]

Both of my Danas came from Dr Diff and both have all the options on your list. Springs perches were moved in on both. Gave Cass the measurements and each bolted right in. Both are Detroit lockers. They click going around corners but does not bother me.
Cass is good to talk to.

 

[69clone]

I've had a factory sure grip in my dana for so long I'am not even sure which one it is. 30 years of abuse and not a whimper.

Good to know!

Both of my Danas came from Dr Diff and both have all the options on your list. Springs perches were moved in on both. Gave Cass the measurements and each bolted right in. Both are Detroit lockers. They click going around corners but does not bother me.
Cass is good to talk to.

Thanks I've been told it sounds like a cv joint or similar going bad. Personally I don't think I'll care as long as I know it's suppose to sound like that lol. I won't be driving in the winter or rain so don't think I'll see any traction issues with one. But I'd a sure grip will work I may consider it I'll see what cass has to say.

I talked to Dutchman they gave me a quote for under 2500 for complete with a Detroit locker. 400 to add disc brakes and 3-400 for shipping. The guy wasn't too sure on differentials in an a street strip app as he deal with a lot of off-roading customers. But agreed with cranky that the tra loc wouldnt last long. I keep meaning to call dr diff but I've been busy these last few days he's next on my list. Hopefully this afternoon

 

[partmopar]

I have a original Dana 60 sure grip that I would sell. I just took it out of my car. I went to a spool only for one reason and that was reciprocating weight. It is a 12/02/68 vintage. That should be a 69 year model car.

 

[hangn0ut]

So that would be a 3 series carrier?

 

[partmopar]

Yes it is. I also have a new moser 430 gear set for a series three