Dana 50 vs 60

JD3020 · Jan 7, 2015

Staring to plan out the drivetrain for my future "build". Goal is to be around 600hp, and do a decent bit of pulling and racing. I don't plan on locking the front axle as i still want the truck to be fully streetable and usable. Also not planning on running slicks at the track, most likely it'll be sitting on BFG AT's full-time. So will a D50 work good for what i want, or is it considerably weaker than a 60? Reason i ask is i have a complete D50 sitting here ready to be freshened up and bolt in, and i'm trying to keep this as low budget as possible. I don't want to spend any more money than i have to.

psduser1 · Jan 7, 2015

I know the inner axle shafts are necked down on the 50s, and there is some difference in the pinion bearings. I believe the ring gear is also different/smaller, maybe. I can't give you any experience with a dedicated puller, but if you've got it, you're that much further ahead. Plus they are way cheaper to replace than the 60s.

If your tires spin, you'll be much less likely to break in the dirt, vs bouncing or a solid hook.

JD3020 · Jan 7, 2015

Yeah, cost is a big thing. Seems like D50's are cheap and everywhere, whereas 60's seem to go for 2-3x more. And of course already having one here definitely helps the budget. LOL

Injected79 · Jan 9, 2015

If doing it, I would do it right the first time and use a dana 60. iv repaired and replaced many dana 50s due to broken pinions and snapped axle shafts, the dana 50 axle shafts at the carrier is the same size as a dana 44. for comparison, I have a picture on my phone comparing shafts on the dana 60 vs 50 but cant post it for some reason.

under construction · Jan 13, 2015

I would go with the 60 for what its worth. I have had both and broke both and the 60 is just an all around better axle and design.

Hotrodtractor · Jan 13, 2015

psduser1 said:
Plus they are way cheaper to replace than the 60s.

Its a good thing they are cheaper because he will be replacing it constantly - better rack up a couple of extras to get through a couple of good weekends pulling on a power track.

psduser1 · Jan 13, 2015

Hotrodtractor said:
Its a good thing they are cheaper because he will be replacing it constantly - better rack up a couple of extras to get through a couple of good weekends pulling on a power track.

Lol. I'm not gonna disagree.
Bet I could swap a front axle quicker than resetting up a r&p. Course, an axle shaft swap is pretty quick, too. Assuming a guy had a couple extra setup and ready to go.

My thought was if he had one ready to go, try it, see if he liked it. Selling a rebuilt/ready-to-rock 50 will almost buy a scrapyard 60.
Original post seemed to suggest limited pulling use. For a dedicated, or more than occasional use, a 60 would probably be better.