The Ultimate Showdown: Ford 9 Inch vs Dana 60 Axles

The Ford 9 Inch and Dana 60 axles both offer rugged performance, but the Dana 60 is generally considered more durable and reliable.

Ford 9 Inch Vs Dana 60

The Ford 9 Inch and Dana 60 are two of the most popular rear axles for off-roading. To give off-roaders an informed choice between the two, we must compare them in terms of gearing ratios, strength, cost, weight and other factors.

In terms of strength, the Dana 60 is often regarded as the strongest rear axle available, as it is much larger and sturdier than most other axles. The Ford 9 Inch, meanwhile, is more customisable with more aftermarket options available, allowing great variety in axle construction to meet different needs.

Gearing ratios are generally a little higher with the Ford 9 Inch than the Dana 60 allowing for more precise control when climbing hills and manoeuvring at slower speeds. On the other hand, a higher gear ratio leads to reduced torque at lower engine speeds which can be a hindrance on roads as well as off roads.

Cost-wise both axles have their own strengths and weaknesses- although customisations for the Ford 9 Inch can be expensive if you wish to centralise costs you may find that buying parts from different companies can save you money in the long run when compared to buying all pieces from one store for your Dana60 work. Weight wise both axles have usable weights with Dana 60 being heavier due to its larger size but can be intalled easily with it being bolt in compatible unlike the Ford 9 Inch which requires welding in some cases.

To conclude this comparison both are excellent options depending on what your needs may be- if you want maximum strength then go for a durable Dana 60 yet if you want more customisable options then a Ford 9 Inch could be suitable for your application.

Ford 9 Inch Axle

The Ford 9 Inch axle is a popular choice for many car enthusiasts due to its robust construction and cost effective upgrade options. It is constructed using a high pinion, semi-floating design which allows for maximum strength and durability. This axle is available in a variety of specifications including 3.50, 3.70, 4.11 and 4.56 gear ratios with either 28 or 31 spline axles. The Ford 9 Inch axle is also compatible with aftermarket differential covers, allowing for increased strength and protection from debris and other road hazards.

Dana 60 Axle

The Dana 60 axle is an extremely popular choice for off-road vehicles due to its versatility and strength. It is constructed using a high pinion, semi-floating design with a variety of gear ratio options ranging from 2.73 to 5.13, as well as different axle spline counts ranging from 10 to 35 splines depending on application. This axle also has an advantage over the Ford 9 Inch in that it can be used in more applications due to its increased strength and compatibility with aftermarket differential covers, making it ideal for off-roading activities.

Advantages of Ford 9 Inch Over Dana 60

One of the main advantages of the Ford 9 Inch axle over the Dana 60 is its robust configuration which allows for maximum strength and durability in comparison to its counterpart. Additionally, the cost effective upgrade options available for this particular axle make it an attractive option for those looking to increase performance without breaking the bank. Finally, the Ford 9 Inch axle has been designed with compatibility in mind when it comes to aftermarket parts, making it easy to upgrade or customize depending on your needs or preferences.

Advantages of Dana 60 Over Ford 9 Inch

The Dana 60 has several advantages over the Ford 9 inch when it comes to off-road use due to its increased strength and versatile gear ratios which make it ideal for crawling over rocks or traversing other difficult terrain without fear of damage or breakage. Additionally, this particular axle offers compatibility with aftermarket differential covers which provide extra protection against debris and other road hazards when off-roading. Finally, this particular differential is also able to handle higher torque loads than most other axles which makes it an ideal choice if you plan on taking your vehicle through more extreme conditions such as mud or snow drifts where higher torque loads are often needed in order to maintain control over your vehicles movements.

Ring & Pinion Gears for Ford 9 Inch & Dana 60 Differential

When upgrading either the Ford 9 inch or Dana 60 differential there are several ring & pinion gears available depending on what you are looking for out of your setup such as increase performance or improved fuel economy etcetera.. The most common ring & pinion gears are 4:10 ratio (available in both axles), 3:73 ratio (Ford) , 3:90 (Dana) as well as numerically higher ratios such as 4:88 (Ford) 5:13 (Dana). Changing gear ratios has an effect on fuel economy as well as acceleration so be sure you know what you want out of your setup before you dive into any upgrades!

Brakes for Ford 9 Inch & Dana 60

When it comes to brakes for the Ford 9 inch and Dana 60 differentials, there are many options available. Depending on the application, compatibility with various differentials should be taken into consideration. There are several types of brake systems available, ranging from disc brakes to drum brakes. Disc brakes provide superior stopping power and are more common in performance vehicles. Drum brakes have been used in muscle cars and are still found in some older vehicles.

Seals, Bearings and Gaskets, FORD 9 Inch Vs Dana 60

The seals, bearings and gaskets used in a differential swap between a Ford 9 inch and a Dana 60 can vary depending on the specific application. The most important factor is to ensure that all components are compatible with each other and that theyre properly installed. Differential seals, bearings and gaskets all must be of the correct size and material in order to function properly. Installation of these components should be done according to manufacturers specifications or by a qualified professional mechanic.

Installation Cost, Ford 9 Inch Vs Dana 60

The cost of installing either a Ford 9 inch or a Dana 60 differential can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the job. Generally speaking, both differentials will require similar labor costs for installation as they both require similar components for assembly. The cost difference between installing either a Ford or a Dana60 can depend on availability of parts as well as any additional upgrades that may be necessary for certain applications.

Performance Considerations Of Implementing A Differential Swap, FORD 9 Inch Vs Dana 60

When considering implementing a differential swap between a Ford 9 inch and a Dana 60, there are several performance considerations that need to be taken into account before making any decisions. Unforeseen cosmetic issues can arise during installations such as clearance problems or incorrect fitment of components. Additionally, unexpected problems with driveline tuning or components can occur if proper attention is not paid to the details during installation. It is important to thoroughly research any potential differential swap before making any final decisions in order to avoid costly mistakes down the line.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What is the difference between a Ford 9 inch and a Dana 60 axle?
A: The main difference between the Ford 9 inch and Dana 60 axles is their construction and specifications. The Ford 9 inch axle has a robust configuration that makes it ideal for high-performance applications, while the Dana 60 axle is more versatile for off-road use due to its gear ratios and strength.

Q: What are the advantages of a Ford 9 inch over a Dana 60?
A: The advantages of a Ford 9 inch over a Dana 60 include its robust configuration, cost effective upgrade options, and its availability in various sizes and widths for custom applications.

Q: What are the advantages of a Dana 60 over a Ford 9 inch?
A: The advantages of a Dana 60 over a Ford 9 inch include its versatility for off-road use, gear ratios and strength, better clearance, as well as its availability in different axle lengths.

Q: What type of ring & pinion gear options are available for both differentials?
A: Various ring & pinion gear options are available for both differentials. These include open differentials with either standard or reverse cut gears, limited slip differentials with either standard or reverse cut gears, as well as locker style differentials with either standard or reverse cut gears.

Q: What types of brake systems are available for both differentials?
A: Both the Ford 9 inch and Dana 60 axles can be fitted with various types of brake systems such as drum brakes, disc brakes, and hydraulic caliper brakes. Additionally, there are also compatibility issues to consider when selecting which brake system to install on either differential.

The Ford 9 inch and the Dana 60 are two of the most popular rear axles in the automotive world. Both offer great performance, strength, and reliability. Ultimately, the choice between these two axles comes down to personal preference and what best suits your driving style and vehicle setup. The Ford 9 inch offers better torque capacity, while the Dana 60 offers superior strength and off-roading capabilities. Either way, both are excellent choices for building a reliable and powerful vehicle.