Dana 50 vs Dana 60

[jlau6888]

Can anyone tell me how to visually tell the difference between a dana 50 and a dana 60? Reason being, i have an early '99 f350 i want to transplant a supposed dana 60 out of an '03 f250 in place of the current dana 50. unfortunately, the BOM sticker is gone and i cannot confirm the differences. Please any extra info would be greatly appreciated!!!

[bwillis2003]

i have the same question. I have a 03 7.3 and I believe the 05- have a Dana 60. I want a coilover setup so I figured instead of getting a coilover conversion kit, I could just get a Dana 60 and buy an 05-07 lift kit? I've heard this is the better way to go?

[bwillis2003]

bump........

[bwillis2003]

no one has done this???

[97Beast]

I'm sure there should be a difference in the overall size of the Pumpkin since one axle has a "50 series" gearset and the other has a slightly larger "60 series" pumpkin.
Their both perfectly interchangeable, and I think the axle tubes are the same size.

[Tweeder]

IIRC, the only external difference is the size of the pinion nut -- with the 60's naturally being larger.

[Shawn Stafford]

the number 243 or 248 not sure which one is stamped in the casing on the pumkin on the 60

[bwillis2003]

ok so i could basically internally make mine a dana 60..but just can't decide if I should pay more money for the coiliver convsersion kit (fabtech) or if i can just switch to a newer front axle and be able to get a 05-07 kit. I actually really want a Carli kit but they only make them for 05 and up so I figured switching the axles would make it fit?

[Tweeder]

Originally Posted by bwillis2003

ok so i could basically internally make mine a dana 60..but just can't decide if I should pay more money for the coiliver convsersion kit (fabtech) or if i can just switch to a newer front axle and be able to get a 05-07 kit. I actually really want a Carli kit but they only make them for 05 and up so I figured switching the axles would make it fit?

eh, not exactly. while they look the same on the outside, internally, the differences are massive. bearing sizes, ring gear clearance, and I believe the 50 also has a narrower carrier. you're MUCH better off finding a 60.

as to coilover convos, etc. before you commit to an axle out of the newer radius arm truck, make sure the frames are at least close enough that it won't cause any serious headaches switching from leaf springs. PERSONALLY, if Fabtech has a CO conversion for the leaf spring trucks, that's the route I would take -- let somebody else do all the R&D.

[bwillis2003]

ya i know what u mean..i've just heard that the dana 60 is much better and once u switch the axles..a lift made for a newer truck will bolt right up..guess ill do more research..would be a big azz mistake if i messed this up