Posted by Mike Hernke [72.161.140.183] on Monday, April 29, 2013 at 22:49:23 :
In Reply to: Dana 60 vs Chrysler corp 9&5/8" third member posted by Dozerman51 [108.235.117.172] on Monday, April 29, 2013 at 19:56:55 :
There are many models of dana 60 so it really depends on the year. The most common rear axle has 30 spline axle shafts and the preferred front has 35 spline inner shafts with a 30 spline outer. Comparing the center section the dana 60 is a 9.75" and the Chrysler is a 9.625" not much difference really. As mentioned the chrysler has 3 pinion bearings vs 2 however I am unsure if the dana 60 has an advantage in terms pinion shaft size or spline count. I will measure this on both axles when I get a chance. I would argue the chrysler 9.625 is slightly stronger providing the pinion shaft is equal to the dana 60, I have heard of pinion shafts breaking at the yoke on the chrysler axle. Trying to compare strength based on observed breakage though is unfair considering the additional fatigue due to age of the chrysler parts. Now I believe the housing on the chrysler axles is stronger than the dana 60 either front or rear but I have no facts to back this up. I just think the fabricated housing design is stronger and if you look at medium duty trucks the drop out design is more common. The big one is axle shafts and the spindle bore size. A dana 60 front can readily be upgraded with 1.5" 35 spline axle shafts and they have nice large u joints with nearly limitless upgrade options. The rear usually requires the spindle be bored oversize but there is plenty of metal available to do this and then a 35 spline axle is no problem. Best I can tell the 1.375" 16 spline axle shaft is all that fits the chrysler spindles and the outer bearing is too small to allow boring them out. Despite the inherently good constant velocity design of the front axle the steering joint is also fairly weak. I have not tried the bendix style but the tracta joint is definately a weak link. I have heard bad things about the ball joints on the newer dana 60 axles as well as the unit bearing design. The king pin dana 60 is as strong or stronger than the Chrysler axle.
My thoughts are the biggest advantage to the dana 60 is good aftermarket support and general parts availability.
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