The 78-79 Ford Dana 60 Front Axle has a ring gear diameter of 9.75″, 30 spline axles, and a width of 76.5″.

78-79 Ford Dana 60 Front Axle Specs

The 78-79 Ford Dana 60 Front Axle is a heavy-duty, off-roading axle often found in full-size 4×4 trucks and larger SUVs. It features a large 9 ring gear and an 8 beefy center section. High strength 35 spline axle shafts are standard, along with oil slingers on carrier bearing caps, providing superior lubrication over extended off-roading adventures. An array of gear ratio options allows for flexibility in power delivery and improved fuel economy under various driving conditions. Also noteworthy are the high-steer knuckles, forged steering arms and front disc brakes which improve maneuverability and braking performance. This durable axle is engineered to handle the toughest off-roading tasks while still holding up under high speed drives down the highway.

Axle Construction

The 78-79 Ford Dana 60 Front Axle features a robust construction that is designed to stand up to the most extreme off-road conditions. The axle is made from high strength steel, designed with thick walled axle tubes for maximum strength and durability.

In addition to the axle tube construction, the 78-79 Ford Dana 60 Front Axle also features a number of design features that help increase its strength and resistance to damage. These include an internal spline system for connecting the differential and wheel hubs, as well as larger spindle bolts for increased strength.

Wheel and Tire Setup

When selecting wheels and tires for the 78-79 Ford Dana 60 Front Axle, it is important to consider wheel size and tire size compatibility. The axle can accommodate a wide range of wheel sizes ranging from 15″ up to 20″. It is also important to consider tire size compatibility when selecting wheels. The recommended tire sizes for this axle range from 31 up to 37 depending on wheel size.

Front Axle Gear Ratio Options

The 78-79 Ford Dana 60 Front Axle comes with a variety of gear ratio options that can be tailored to meet specific off-road needs. The standard gear ratio on this axle is 4.10:1, but other options such as 4.56:1 and 5:13:1 are available depending on application requirements. When selecting a gear ratio, it is important to consider your vehicles power output, terrain you will be driving on, as well as tire size and wheel size compatibility.

Front Axle Differencing Systems

The 78-79 Ford Dana 60 Front Axle offers two different differencing systems for improved traction in off-road conditions an open differential system and a limited slip differential system. The open differential system provides improved performance in most off-road conditions by allowing both wheels to turn at different speeds when cornering or navigating uneven terrain, while the limited slip differential system provides improved traction by preventing one wheel from spinning faster than the other in slippery conditions or when climbing hills or traversing difficult surfaces. Both systems provide excellent performance in off-road applications while still providing reliable road performance on paved surfaces.

Strength of Ford Dana 60 Axle

The 78-79 Ford Dana 60 Front Axle is renowned for its exceptional strength and durability in extreme off-road conditions. Its overall construction strength is enhanced by its thick walled axle tubes which are 0.375 inches thick at their base widths (3/8 inch). This helps significantly reduce flexing during hard cornering or climbing over large rocks or logs which often cause damage in other axles designs with thinner walls and less overall structure integrity. Additionally, its spindle bolts are larger than those found on other axles which helps prevent bending under heavy loads or stress from hard impacts over rough terrain.

78-79 Ford Dana 60 Front Axle Specs

Suspension Connections and Geometry

The suspension connections and geometry of the 78-79 Ford Dana 60 Front Axle are important to consider when selecting the right components for your vehicle. The Control Arm Specs and Steering Knuckle Specs are two key elements in determining the suspension geometry. The Control Arm specs will dictate how much lateral movement is allowed on the axle, while the Steering Knuckle specs will determine how much caster is available. Both of these specs should be considered when designing a suspension system that will be able to handle the loads of your vehicle.

Breaking System Considerations for Front Dana 60 Axles

When designing a braking system for your 78-79 Ford Dana 60 Front Axle, it is important to consider both Brake Discs Type Options and Drum Brakes Type Options as either can provide adequate braking performance. Brake Discs are typically lighter in weight and offer better heat dissipation than Drum Brakes, but may require more frequent maintenance for optimal performance. Drum Brakes may be heavier but often have better stopping power than Disc Brakes, especially when used in an off-road setting.

Pinion Angle Settings for Front Axles

Pinion Angle Settings should also be taken into consideration when designing a suspension system for your 78-79 Ford Dana 60 Front Axle. The pinion angle can affect how quickly power is transferred from the engine to the wheels, as well as how much torque is generated at each wheel. It is important to set this angle correctly in order to maximize performance while ensuring that no damage is done to any components of your suspension system.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What construction materials are used in a 78-79 Ford Dana 60 Front Axle?
A: The 78-79 Ford Dana 60 Front Axle is constructed from high-strength steel, with heat-treated and alloyed components. These components are designed to provide superior strength and durability to the axle.

Q: What wheel and tire setup is recommended for the 78-79 Ford Dana 60 Front Axle?
A: Depending on the application, the recommended wheel size range for a 78-79 Ford Dana 60 Front Axle is 15″ – 17″. The tire size range recommended for this axle is 32″ – 35″.

Q: What front axle gear ratio options are available for a 78-79 Ford Dana 60 Front Axle?
A: There are several gear ratio options available for the 78-79 Ford Dana 60 Front Axle, including 3.50, 3.73, 4.10, 4.56 and 4.88 ratios. When selecting a gear ratio option, it’s important to consider factors such as engine power output and intended usage of the vehicle.

Q: What differentiating systems are available for a 78-79 Ford Dana 60 Front Axle?
A: The two differentiating systems available for a 78-79 Ford Dana 60 Front Axle are an open differential system and a limited slip differential system. An open differential system allows each wheel to rotate independently of one another while providing equal power split between them. A limited slip differential system uses clutches or plates to limit the difference in speed between left and right wheels while providing torque transfer between them when needed.

Q: How strong is a 78-79 Ford Dana 60 Front Axle?
A: The 78-79 Ford Dana 60 Front Axle is extremely strong, with an overall construction strength of up to 8500 ft/lbs of torque. The axle tube thickness on this model ranges from 1/8 – 5/16 depending on the application, providing additional durability and strength to the axle assembly.

The 78-79 Ford Dana 60 front axle is a reliable and powerful axle that was used by Ford in its full-size trucks and vans. It is a heavy duty axle that is capable of handling larger tires, increased torque, and higher payloads. The axle has a width of 60 inches and a gear ratio of 4.10:1. It uses either 5 on 5.5 or 8 on 6.5 wheels bolt patterns, depending on the vehicle it was installed in. The Dana 60 is well known for its durability and strength, making it an ideal choice for off-road vehicles or towing applications.