Modified truck Dana vs. Strange S60

[KillerBee]

I'm doing some research into buying a Dana 60 for my Challenger.

I've found a couple local reputable shops that can build me a bolt in modified truck Dana 60 to my stock E-body dimensions and specs.
I requested the better Power Loc differential which would be a rebuilt unit
New 3.73 gear
New 35 spline axles
All new bearings and seals

Both places were kinda surprised when I asked about making sure the tapped hole is there and in the correct location for the rear brake line T fitting and vent bolt.
I don't think the hole is present on the truck axle tube..I assume I'll need it to run my brake lines?
Is that something that's not usually needed?

I got the same price quote of $1750 from both places for the complete rear end with no brakes as I plan to re-use the current 11" druns on my 8 3/4

Second option is a complete brand new S60 Dana rear end from Strange.
There entry level rear end has the Track Loc differential which I think is not as strong as the Power Loc.
Good points are the Strage Dana has the snubber mounts if I need one and I believe they have the adjustable axles instead of the non adjustable green bearings but I've never had a problem with the green bearings in my other aftermarket axles..

Obviously everything in the Strange Dana is brand new.
For those of you who have them did it come with the tapped hole for the T fitting?

The Strange Dana in similar E-body specs is about $250 more than the truck Dana rear after shipping and taxes.
It would be a few hundred more for the Strange Dana if I upgrade to a better diff.

So which should I go with?

Truck Dana with Power Loc diff but no snubber mounts or

New Strange S60 sith Track Loc, and snubber mounts?

Thanks.
 

[73EStroker]

I have a converted Ford truck Dana Trac Loc and run around 600hp with no probs. mine was behind a straight 6 so how much abuse did it get?
Yes you need to relocate the breather/brake line hole in board another 2" or so. You can buy ends to adapt Ford taper sealed bearings which are way more durable than greens. I only found this out after my stock bearing housings were installed so had to stay green. I went with new Moser axles and everything cost about $850 cdn with perches installed. CP knows where to get those ends. My diff has been trouble free and is dry as a bone no oil leaks.
I am going to experiment with an 84 Z28 torque tube setup to keep the diff angle constant. It also balances the power better between the wheels so excellent traction. Solid mount at diff using some button tabs as anchors that are located on the tubes and an a short A frame with a single leg to the tranny rear x-member with rubber isolated there. My next project after Viper brakes are installed.

[Chryco Psycho]

Yes you need the tapped hole for the breather & brake line hold down
 the track lock was renamed the crack lock as it would split the case , power lock is much stronger but better yet is the Eaton Tru Track . I prefer the tapered roller brg & went with a larger Ford brg in the one I built .
 My first call would be to Doctor Diff / Cass  in Mt
 Mine cost as much as brand new , I used a Ford truck diff , had to replace the tubes to get the width I needed , powder coated the housing . didn't save anything although it should have been slightly cheaper .
 I feel for 250 extra why not go all new , but Cass may be competative with pricing

[KillerBee]

Thanks for the responses.

My car is mainly street driven on street tires with a few trips to the track with sticky tires so I don't need a super high dollar high horsepower rear end.


FYI the last time I talked to Dr. Diff he no longer builds Dana rear ends from truck housings.

Cass sells the same S60 Dana from Strange for close to the same price, but shipping costs add to his price.  The True Trac adds another $300 which is getting the price well over 2 grand . ...I'm thinking the Power Loc would be best for my application.

[brads70]

I got my dana from Cass . With the true trac and really love it goes straight with both wheels blazing!  Also the S-60 is lighter than a stock Dana.  I also went with oversize tapered roller bearings and bigger axels. Another advantage is to order it B-Body width and get more wider rubber in the back! Nice to have every thing new as I could only afford to do this once!