D60 35 spline upgrade and 30 spline limitations.

[rebar]

Iv got a E350 with cummins turbo and manual nv4500 and want to install a limited slip or locker in the D60 full floater to get me through Iowa winters, and a bit of hill climbing in Colorado.

Iv asked this question else where with no replies.. But what I'm wondering is " what are the limitations of 30 spline D60 axles?"
I plan or running 33's maybe and need to tow a 9k pound camper. Should I upgrade to 35 spline before I buy the locker or limited slip?

Thanks!

 

[mt-pockets]

From people I know with swamp buggies, they all use 35's. They have a much higher ft/lb rating than the 30's. The 35's are more dollars obviously, but you would be better off in the long run. One friend of mine replaced his 30's with 35's and now he cant even give the 30's away. All things can break and the 35's will be expensive to repair. It all depends on how rough your going to treat your ride and at what expense your willing to pay. The buggy boys are not disappointed with there 35's. Hope this helps a little.

 

[mt-pockets]

If you would like, try calling Modifications Unlimited in West Palm Beach. They are very knowledgeable in these matters. They are usually friendly and willing to answer all your questions. Give them a call. It cant hurt.
561-790-2224.

 

[rebar]

Thanks.. I called them and the guy told me to look for a D70 or the like.

I did find this info..

Stock axle
30sp 6,044 ft/lbs
35sp 8,966 ft/lbs

aftermarket
30sp 9,923 ft/lbs
35sp 14,721 ft/lbs

And after more reading.. turns out the E350 front wheel width is wider than the rear by almost 2". Iv been told D70's , 80's and Sterlings in vans have the larger 35sp axles I want stock. And if I could find one 2" wider than my D60, I could address two problems (wheel width and axle strength) just by finding a $100 used D70.

 

[mt-pockets]

Good! Glad I was able to help in some way.

 

[rebar]

From what Iv found..

You can use a E350 cutaway D70 van axle. SRW cutaways with a mid tank will be the same width. SRW cutaways with a rear tank will be a few inches wider (rear tires will be about 1" wider than fronts) and DRW axle will be about 5" wider. Using a DRW axle will require fender flares (like bushwackers).

So looks like the hunt for a E350 cutaway SRW rear tank begins as it would solve the narrow rear width issue without flares and come with 35sp axles and limited slip.. maybe..:biglaugh:

 

[mt-pockets]

Happy hunting

 

[MR_NST]

I think you may be worrying for nothing bud. the dana 60 is a full floater if i am correct. its a plenty strong axle, ive seen retros into older offroad rigs so they can use 40 inch tires and bigger. i would put the posi/ limited slip in and a good rebuild kit and carry on.

save the $ where you can. i ran 33s on 10 bolt gms and never broke. A d60 is 20X the axle.

peace,
evan...

 

[rebar]

Thanks.. I agree.

What Id like to accomplish is increase the hub face to hub face with the axle, instead of the wheel spacers everyone seems to use. The Dana 70 from a cutaway rear tank van is 5.5" wider than the regular D70 or D60. And might come with 35 spline.

I will run my D60 until I find one of those. But it would be nice to be able to use maybe a TrueTrac L/S in my D60 and then swap it to the wider D70 when I locate it. But I think I would have to upgrade to a 35 spline truetrac to be able to do that.

Some D60's are already bored to except 35 spline but are running the 30 spline. I need to measure mine and replace the 30 spline if I can.