1/2 ton SWB 4x4 bump, rear axle opinion

[My427stang]

OK gang, I have a complete Dana 60 with a few choices of gear ratio. Positraction, 5 lug, out of a 68 1/2 ton bump

I also have a 9 inch, same deal.

Both are the same width, both original to a bump 1/2 ton, both use the same wheels, etc. The 60 is a full up 5 lug, not an F250 axle

I am restoring the truck and both need to be resealed, both will get new bearings if I use them.

Which would you pick, Dana 60 or 9 inch, and why?

FYI, the truck has run HARD on the 9 inch, even on nitrous and in any type of racing you can imagine, and never broke one, so even though the 60 is a tad stronger, I probably dont need the extra.

Opinions?

My position now is that I like the uniqueness of the 60, but the 9 inch is a good friend that I would need to have a good reason to part with.

Thanks

[Jake11]

You answered your own question.

[basketcase0302]

427,

I'd go with the 60 also, (for the more beefy ring & pinion).

But I too love my 9" rears, aint' no way I get rid of that one either.

Basketcase

[My427stang]

Of course, the D60 also has the benefit of being able to show a little chrome

Sorta like a tattoo on a girls lower back

[FORDification]

That's what I was gonna say too. In addition to the already-mentioned slight strength advantage, a 4WD sets a little higher, which exposes the undercarriage. The Dana 60 could have a cool-looking rear cover which will add a little to the overall aesthetics.

But I see no reason to get rid of the 9", just in case the Dana 60 breaks or you change your mind....everybody needs a backup, right?

Does the Dana 60 have the same ratio as the front differential? That could be a major considering factor.

[averagef250]

You may not have broken the 9 inch, but lots of people have. Far fewer have broken semi-float 60's. They're a very tough axle and a 60 powerlock makes any clutch type LS you can run in a 9 inch laughable.

Much stronger axle, better LS, you can drain and inspect the diff very easily.

[Rockcrusher]

As I recall, the SF Dana 60's have 19 spline axles. Overall, they are only slightly stronger than the standard 28 spline 9.00" but they weigh considerably more. By far, the strongest axle offered in a bumpside was the 9.38", 31 spline unit. The downside to the 9.38" is the lack of available ratios . . . It was only available in 3.50:1 or 4.10:1 ratios, open or limited slip.

[My427stang]

These are 30 spline, and have sort of a goofy tapered wheel bearing.

I seem to think it would be stronger than the 9 inch, but really, this truck wont see much more than a cruise night and maybe a silly night or two on the strip running 15's or slower.

If I do the 60, its to be unique and have a shiny chrome cover LOL

[averagef250]

The semi floaters are all 30 spline since they came out in 1956, they are much larger than 28 spline 9 inch axles. What year is your axle with tapered wheel bearings? All the ones I've owned have had the large sealed ball bearings like the heavy duty 31 spline 9 inches use. But they were older axles, think 67 was the newest one I had.

[My427stang]

Mine came out of a 68, 6 foot bed 4x4

[Thunderfoot]

I'm kinda late (still catching up on my reading)... but one other thing is the parasitic drag of the 9" compared to the D60... 9" are the worst and take HP to turn. If I had both setting there on the floor ready to go I would go with the D60 and a chrome cover would look good