Do I Need A Dana 60 ?

Author Topic: Do I Need A Dana 60 ?  (Read 1128 times)

Offline AMXguy

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Do I Need A Dana 60 ?
« on: November 07, 2012 - 11:52:56 AM »
My '70 challenger is an original N code 4spd with the 8 3/4 3.55 sure grip.

I now have a 440 six pack in it which put out 500 HP on the dyno.  I have a centerforce DF clutch that  is really grabby and I'm just worried about getting on it with this rear end and 255/60 tires.  it's not so much trashing the rear end but the damage a driveshaft could do if something breaks.

Should I be looking for a Dana 60 or am I paranoid? I'm not racing but I'm tired of being so careful on the take off.
1970 R/T SE Challenger
 1970 Superbee
 1969 S code Mach 1
 1967  GTO




Offline 72cudamaan

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Re: Do I Need A Dana 60 ?
« Reply #1 on: November 07, 2012 - 01:00:25 PM »
That's what a driveshaft loop is for. It doesn't matter what rear end you have, the driveshaft could still break.
If I cant fix it, it's broke
 
Andy  (phukker whither)

Offline Changin Gears

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Re: Do I Need A Dana 60 ?
« Reply #2 on: November 07, 2012 - 01:46:36 PM »
Catastrophic driveshaft  failures aren’t too common with street tires, they kinda act as a fuse…they let go first.


The goal never changes - Stop the 60' timer with your back tires

Offline dutch

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Re: Do I Need A Dana 60 ?
« Reply #3 on: November 07, 2012 - 03:33:41 PM »
Catastrophic driveshaft  failures aren’t too common with street tires, they kinda act as a fuse…they let go first.

hey CG, good to see you back  :wave:
*** Bart ***

Offline Changin Gears

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Re: Do I Need A Dana 60 ?
« Reply #4 on: November 07, 2012 - 06:06:23 PM »
hey CG, good to see you back  :wave:

I'ts good to be back


The goal never changes - Stop the 60' timer with your back tires

Offline jhaag

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Re: Do I Need A Dana 60 ?
« Reply #5 on: November 08, 2012 - 07:42:59 PM »
The answer to the question is no. Don't overthink it. If you have an 8 3/4 in good condition it will be just fine for your application.
love 70 Challengers

Offline MTS-Challenger

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Re: Do I Need A Dana 60 ?
« Reply #6 on: November 08, 2012 - 10:09:11 PM »
The 8 3/4 are good solid rear ends and can handle allot of abuse (been there, done that).

The weak link that limiting them is the yoke connection to the drive shaft. Mopar’s use metal straps to bolt the universal cups to the yoke. The bolts used are way too small (5/16"–24) and tend to sheer off  :banghead: when the tires or slicks hookup and grap with high torque/horsepower 450-500+HP engines.

To fix this most people change the yoke with a billet yoke using U bolts and if its a 489 type third member they also change the pinion crush sleeve with a solid sleeve. In addition use Lakewwod solid universal joints.  After that they're good to go around 600-700+HP or until the axles snaps....   :)

Dana 60 are good to go as-is up to the 600-maybe 700+HP using only a cover gridle for modification, but the cost of the rearend is expensive and an extra 35 pound of weight.

Enjoy!  :2thumbs:
1970 Challenger R/T 440

Offline 73Chally

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Re: Do I Need A Dana 60 ?
« Reply #7 on: November 09, 2012 - 11:32:22 AM »
Your tires will spin LONG before you have to worry about any catastrophic failures.  I have a basically stock six pack with 4 speed and 255/60-17 rear tires, and the tires spin with just the slightest bump of the gas pedal.  The only time you'll need to worry would be if you're running slicks on a sticky track.