Dana 60 - What is it?

[JonS]

I found a Dana 60 in my area that an older gentleman is looking to sell.  It is definitely a MOPAR rear end, but he doesn't know what it is.  He said he bought it new 40 years ago and it has been in his garage ever since.  The only marking he can see on it is on the case which is C34155 which I realize doesn't tell me much about it.  He says he is certain it is a 3:54 as well.

He said it measures about 59-1/2" axle flange to axle flange.  I'm assuming based on that measurement that it is b-body?  It's definitely not e-body, but from what I'm reading it would let me put some bigger tires on my Chally without doing a ton of modifications. 

Based on this extremely limited information; would it make sense to print out the Dana 60 ID that's stickied and go figure out what this guy has?  I'd get more info from him; but as I mentioned he is older and said he isn't willing to drag it out.  He's a decent drive from me.  He's asking about $1,000 for it (again, he says brand new never used).

Jon

[Topcat]

I found a Dana 60 in my area that an older gentleman is looking to sell.  It is definitely a MOPAR rear end, but he doesn't know what it is.  He said he bought it new 40 years ago and it has been in his garage ever since.  The only marking he can see on it is on the case which is C34155 which I realize doesn't tell me much about it.  He says he is certain it is a 3:54 as well.

He said it measures about 59-1/2" axle flange to axle flange.  I'm assuming based on that measurement that it is b-body?  It's definitely not e-body, but from what I'm reading it would let me put some bigger tires on my Chally without doing a ton of modifications. 

Based on this extremely limited information; would it make sense to print out the Dana 60 ID that's stickied and go figure out what this guy has?  I'd get more info from him; but as I mentioned he is older and said he isn't willing to drag it out.  He's a decent drive from me.  He's asking about $1,000 for it (again, he says brand new never used).

Jon

Sounds like it might be the one.
Does it have the pinion snubber bolts holes like this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Original-Dana-60-B-Body-Mopar-/130459727463?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e60017667

[JonS]

TC,

Yes it does...

Jon

[JonS]

I should add that it doesn't include any brakes.  I don't really care; but for valuation purposes I figured it should be mentioned.

Jon

[Katfish]

I'd do 3 things:

- Make sure it has the pinion snubber mounts (sounds like you checked that)
- Measure the flange to flange distance to figure out if it is E or B body
- Determine the ratio, just spin the axle and count the revolutions on the yoke (1 complete turn of axle will turn the yoke 3.5)

As long as nothing out of the ordinary pops up, BUY IT!

[JonS]

Made the drive to go look at it...

It's definitely a 3:54.  It has the "60" stamp on it and the Chrysler "C34155" stamped into the body.  I looked extremely carefully for BoM numbers but they simply aren't on the axle tubes.  I looked everywhere and couldn't find it.

He said he isn't certain but seems to remember the guy saying he bought it for a 69 Charger. 

Axle Measurements:

Center of Perch to Perch is: 43-1/2"
Outside of Flange to Flange is: ~ 59-1/2"

I still think it is B-Body... What do you think?  It turns freely and seems to be in decent shape.  I'm assuming it is worth his $1,000 asking price.

Jon

[Topcat]

This should help you.

This thread needs to be a sticky in the archives.

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=46240.0

[JonS]

TC,

I had a printout of that post in my hand when I was looking at the Dana tonight.  Neither I nor the seller could figure it out...

I do have pictures... let me see if I can get them on here.

Jon

[JonS]

The pics...

[The Cuda Guy]

The pics...

B-Body rears are shorter than E-Body, Lots of racers use B-Body rears and spring offsets to fit wider tires under their cuda or chally.

Don

[JonS]

Don,

I wouldn't mind putting wider tires on the Chally... Am I correct that the modifications to use this wouldn't be very extreme?  I'd need to move the springs inward.  My car is totally torn apart right now... any idea if I'd have proper clearance to the gas tank?

I'm also not racing this car; so 3:54 is fine.

Jon

[72hemi]

To install the b-body rear in an e-body you need the 1 inch spring relocation kit from dr. diff (i think its 1 inch, may only be .75 inch). The kit is less than $200 I believe.

[JonS]

Does it make sense that there were no BoM numbers stamped into the passenger side tube?  I looked carefully and the seller was kind enough to let me take a wire brush to it for further inspection.

It seems to measure properly to be B-Body.  Given the Chrysler casting in the center and the proper measurements; would it be safe to by this?  Am I doing well at $1,000?  I'm sure I'll still need to tear it down, put in new seals, etc.  It hasn't seen action for 40 years.  I didn't open the case (although it spun freely) but I know that it isn't filled with oil, so I'll need to make sure that it isn't full of rust as well.

Jon

[Challenger III]

The numbers on mine were extremely hard to read, even once I found them and cleaned the area.  On top of the left tube, 2 - 3 inches outboard of the center section.

[Challenger6pak]

I have seen some Fords with a Dana 60 like that one.  It is hard to tell without knowing the bolt pattern.  It could be Mopar with a different set of axles in it.