I just had an option put in front of me I really need to consider.
Right now I am using a 1/2 front and my rear is still 1 ton 8 lug 14 bolt.
I have a chance to get a dana 60 front . With 4.10's I believe. I am unsure of the width of this axle... but at this point I dont think it will matter much.
I can get matching gears say
3.73 summit part 14 bolt for both the 14 and the dana(
summit dana 3.73 ) and have all 1 ton axles and etc. Or swap just the rear gears to
summit 14 bolt 4.10 to match dana front.
Pros n cons
14 bolt pros ... keep rear drive line intact no modification needed. Short shaft needs shortening for transfer case install.
This modification is needed on both swaps.
Con.. chance of breaking original equipment... maybe...
Cost for rebuilding breaks etc is more expensive.
Con... weight . added weight in both front and rear.
Pro... way stronger axles...
Pro ... Matches the chassis.
Con... I would have to do the front axle swap again.
Con ...8 lug wheels... I have multiple sets of 6 lug truck wheels. Including a set of 20"s. No 8 lug that fit right now. But the set I had test fit before would fit the dana. GM late model 2500 chevy stockies.
Con for 1/2 ton ... I have to rebuild that axle... might not have to do internals but u joints and brakes and maybe lockers.
Lockers.... manual on dana 60... auto lock on 1/2 ton. can be a pro or a con... the auto lock can be trouble some but getting out to lock the hubs can be a pain in the but.
I would rather have lockers but if I have to rebuild 1/2 ton axle I would install manual lockers. maybe air lock...hmmmmm.
Track/axle widths are the same on either 1/2 or 1 ton ... everything might line up close to the same. Pitman , drag link etc. Passenger side drive shaft.
Also I got my bed rebuild started... Local bolter is hooking me up with some strips and I just recovered a bunch of douglas fir from a camp in the Adirondacks . I have a guy who does beautiful wood work , who wants 2 favors from me , so he is doing my wood for me.
Custom metal framed wood running boards coming also. These will be installed to not destroy the one good running board I have.
