I'm thinking of installing a Dana 60 into my clone 440-6, 4 speed cuda. Any do's or don't for this thought? Thank you, Joe
I can't see any downside other than expense... any particular reason for the change?
I had trouble finding a Dana with the correct BOM stamp for my car, but lucked out with a member here that had one. If you are going with aftermarket then should be straight forward
If your willing to go aftermarket, I have bought 2 that came from Cass B-Body width and offset shackle/hanger for wider tire clearance.
https://www.doctordiff.com/strange-60.html
I recommend the Eaton Truetrac . They work great! Really happy with mine.
Quote from: 70_440-6Cuda on March 20, 2025, 11:40:08 AMany particular reason for the change?
I was kind of concerned about the 8-3/4 because of the center section being a 741 casting. Maybe I'm worring too much. I don't know what they can take. It has 3.55 sure grip which seems to be enough gear for the 440, even with the 4 speed.. Thanks, Joe
Quote from: 1970 cuda Joe on March 20, 2025, 08:02:34 PMQuote from: 70_440-6Cuda on March 20, 2025, 11:40:08 AMany particular reason for the change?
I was kind of concerned about the 8-3/4 because of the center section being a 741 casting. Maybe I'm worring too much. I don't know what they can take. It has 3.55 sure grip which seems to be enough gear for the 440, even with the 4 speed.. Thanks, Joe
I'd say which tires you are using will be a factor. If your using the usual BFG hockey pucks then you won't have an issue. Sticky drag radials then perhaps....
Leave it as is, what's the harm.
You can always upgrade later if needed.
Quote from: Brads70 on March 21, 2025, 06:46:51 AMQuote from: 1970 cuda Joe on March 20, 2025, 08:02:34 PMQuote from: 70_440-6Cuda on March 20, 2025, 11:40:08 AMany particular reason for the change?
I was kind of concerned about the 8-3/4 because of the center section being a 741 casting. Maybe I'm worring too much. I don't know what they can take. It has 3.55 sure grip which seems to be enough gear for the 440, even with the 4 speed.. Thanks, Joe
I'd say which tires you are using will be a factor. If your using the usual BFG hockey pucks then you won't have an issue. Sticky drag radials then perhaps....
I'm running E60-15 Poliglas Goodyears from Kelsey Tire....Joe
Quote from: Katfish on March 21, 2025, 07:42:49 AMLeave it as is, what's the harm.
You can always upgrade later if needed.
Good point. I have towing in case :)
E60-15 is too small for a rear tire. G60-15 minimum.
742 pinion will be all you need unless you do some chassis mods and get the proper tires to really hook.
But under non track/racing conditions you will be starved for traction so you are just adding a lot of un-sprung weight and expense.
Just get a good traction unit, Several after market available. Use the saved money for tires and other things.
Remember that the factory was using off the shelf parts and for extreme duty use, the Dana 60 was from the light truck catalog. Just added a snubber.
These cars carried factory warranties so it was easier/better to use a factory part that would not fail under non racing conditions.
And there was very little difference in the cist of parts back then.
For the cost of a modern Dana 60 rear axle, you could almost buy the whole car back then.
The Super Trak Pak option package which included the Dana 60 axle was just over $200. Actually cheaper than the 727 trans option.