Changing Rear Axle Housing

[AMXguy]

I bought a new Dana 60 to put in place of my 8 3/4.  what is the easiest way to deal with the backing plates?

I'm thinking I can pull the axles and leave  the parking brake cables hooked up?  change the housing then pull the new axles and put the backing plates back on.  then all I'd have to do is bleed the brakes.

Any other issues in the change over I need to be ready for?   

[roadman5312]

 

[crash340]

if the housing vent/brake line union block locations are the same, just pull the axles, undo the backing plates and axle vent, drop the backing plates off, cables and lines still attached and tie them up, brake lines still attached, swap housings put 'em back on , drop the axles in and you wont even have to bleed the brakes, thats all I did.

[AMXguy]

I guess you're right about the brake lines. I might do that.

What about the pinion snubber is it the same as the 8 3/4?

[anlauto]

What about the pinion snubber is it the same as the 8 3/4?

NO

[AMXguy]

That figures.   are the adustable ones any good?  how far from touching the tunnel shoud the snubber be ?

Another thing,  do you drop the springs out or slide the housing to one side enough to drop out ?

[ToxicWolf]

 

[Topcat]

Dana 60 with the added re inforcement plate they originally used.
Also they are a 3 hole mounting onto the 3rd member. 8 3/4 was a 2 bolt.

I would estimate 1/2-2" is about the right distance.

[Katfish]

if the housing vent/brake line union block locations are the same, just pull the axles, undo the backing plates and axle vent, drop the backing plates off, cables and lines still attached and tie them up, brake lines still attached, swap housings put 'em back on , drop the axles in and you wont even have to bleed the brakes, thats all I did.

Surprised you could do the whole assembly without bending the hard lines?
I unhooked all the brakes lines and parking brake, not really a big deal.

[anlauto]

The Dana pinon snubber reinforcement plate was only found on Hemi cars not all dana cars oddly enough.