After a little research, I have decided that I want to install a 7 leaf spring pack on the front of my truck (doubled main leaf -- about 2300 lb rating verses the 6 leaf 1900 lb rating). However, I will have to install longer studs in the differential housing to accommodate the taller spring pack.

Has anyone removed these studs from a dana 60 before? I would like to be able to have the correct studs in hand before I order the springs, and especially before I tear the front axle out of the truck.

Thanks!

Alec

 

best bet is to use grade 8 bolts. They are either 9/16 or 5/8.. Can't remember.. Also to get the studs out I have had good luck with a pipe wrench and torches.. Have to get them good and hot before they think of coming out.. Good luck

 

bolts... thats a good idea. been kinda dredding removing mine, looks rusty

 

I did something similar and had no problem pulling those studs out. I got some Moroso or ARP studs that fit, I think from a Jeep rock crawler guy (they love those D60F's).

 

i have had decent luck double nutting the studs to get them out, but that was on a 44. same concept though.

 

For the studs, the stock pieces are dual thread. They have course thread going into the axle housing and fine thread for the nut, which are the same as on the rest of the u bolts. If you want to use plain old grade 8 stock, you will have to source course thread nuts as well, as the ones that were on there before won't work (fine thread).

I don't know the sizes, sorry about that but just a heads up on the thread pitch differences. You'll see it obviously when you get it out..

The crawlers break these all the time, so there should be plenty of info out there on pirate. http://www.pirate4x4.com

I think getting stock style replacements is the hot ticket because you'll keep the dual thread and fine thread to pull the plate down will do so with more force than coarse thread...

 

Yes, I would not use a bolt on that unless you are bottom tapping it for a larger 5/8" fine thread pitch bolt.

 

Thank you PapeCAT!

I did not explicitly ask, but that was my question -- are the threads in the housing course or fine. So I need some 9/16 SAE course x fine threaded studs.

Not only do you get higher clamping force with the fine threaded studs, but I am a lot more comfortable torquing a nut on a stud into a casting, than trying to torque a fastener directly into the casting!

Thanks again,

Alec

 

i think your best bet would be to have them made or check with 4x4 and/or spring shops. i doubt the corner hardware store would have a dual thread stud on the shelf.

 

Well, I picked up the new springs today, but I still don't have the studs in hand. It looks as though I will have to get some studs from a 4x4 shop for the Dana 44 steering arm block set-ups. 9/16 is not a very popular size, and apparently Chevy uses 5/8 studs, so that is what the rock crawlers go for -- or they drill them out to 3/4. I didn't think there was that much meat in the casting.

Cleaning and painting here we come .

 

I wouldn't be afraid of using grade 8 bolts. I've done several lifts using them without any issues. Have them on my wheeling truck with 44 boggers and in not easy on it and never had an issue. Just to the bolts and you can always swap the studs back in when u find them.

 

Been there broke that.


and be careful of what ya ask on pirate

 

mmmhhmmmmm, its a tough crowd over there, so be ready. i like 'em

 

Well, I just ordered a couple ARP studs, 9/16 double ended course x fine 4 inches long. They are commonly used for high steer blocks on dana 44 steering arms, apparently. We'll see how they work out.