Dana 60 on a 3rd gen???

Whats up guys, talked with East Coast gear supply about possible rear axle swaps, and they said I can be a guinea pig for swapping in a Dana 60 to my 2019 trd sport. Was wondering what you guys think about this and if its a good idea. Really wanna deck out my sport and i've been hearing these 8" diffs have higher chance of busting with 35s, locker, etc etc.

Just weighing my options this point, and looking for ways to spend my signing bonus!

 

Thought about doing the same but only when / if the rear diff fails.

If you have the $$$$ I say go for it


https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/new-bolt-in-dana-60-from-east-coast-gear-supply.588294/

 

Gonna be dragging your shit over everything with a D60 and only 35s. I wouldn't worry about it until it happens, maybe set aside your emergency axle fund and then if it ever breaks you can weigh your options. Driving style will dictate breakage more than 35s and the 8" axle. I've seen guys have a D30/D35 combo survive forever with 35s and both of those are way weaker than the Toy 8".

 

Great advice. Thank you!

 

That might be a case of the juice isn't worth the squeeze or just because you can doesn't mean you should. The D60 is big and going to require a lot of work to fit and will be heavy. Unless you are doing a V8 swap, I just don't see the need. You still have the plenty of other things in the drivetrain that will break like the front axle, the transmission, the driveshafts. The upside: Full floating axles, disc brakes, lots of aftermarket support. If, for some reason, I was going to do something like what you are suggesting, I would go with a Ford 9" or D44. You'll still spend a lot of money to fit it, but these weigh less and are physically smaller. I'd put my money elsewhere.

 

Problem with your upsides is the D60 OP referred to is a semi float that reuses the stock Toy axles and brakes (unless you decide to upgrade). That ECGS D60 is a nice option if you go through a upgrade the stock parts, by then you'll be in to it $5K+...which puts you in to the same price as just about any other axle mfg and could get a high clearance diff (like a Dynatrac, Tera, Currie, etc) while you're at it.

 

What are you planning that you need a Ram 2500 axle, LS swap?

 

Agreed. If I was upgrading, I’d go ford 9. Plenty of aftermarket support, cheap parts, and it’s a joy to work on compared to most. Drop out third, threaded end caps instead of shims on the diff, and bolt in axles instead of c clips . Plenty strong for these trucks.

 

Who are all these people blowing diffs with 35s? We have people on 37s that abuse their trucks without blowing the diffs or axles.

A Dana 60 is a good axle but you don’t find too many rear Dana 60s anymore. Most people go with a 14 bolt.

 

I have one of their's under my FJ and my brother has one under his 4runner. I wouldn't run any smaller than a 35" tire if you rock crawl. Otherwise its not terrible. Way better than the toyota 8" stuff that always breaks eventually.

Ford 9" is another good option but the pinion is one low SOB and the ground clearance is not much better.

 

Interesting idea, but how about finding an 8.8" out of a manual, OR or Pro truck. Bigger stronger and bolt in.

 

Tell him he can put a 60 in the rear if he puts one in the front too. You supply the 40" tires.

 

I would definitely be all for this because that would save me on the rear locker. The thing is I have no idea where to find one, and no idea who could install that, because I definitely can't.

I know of 2 people so far who blew the 8" diff wheeling, and jon at ECGS said "we have started seeing them fail under the right circumstances. Big tires, lockers and a heavy right foot offroad can lead to failure.".

I plan on doing a build that I literally keep for decades. Just want to do this right.

I dont think I really need it.. but I would like to start wheeling possibly, and even if I don't I like to say I could being that I'm about to spend probably 5k on lift and suspension. I really do not see the point of getting a lift and suspension without having actual offroadability. It reminds me of those guys at the gym who work out all the time and get really big, but when it comes down to it they aren't really that strong.

Also, peace of mind is nice.

 

Ram's use AAM axles.

 

You should get out and actually use your 4x4 before you go dropping $4500 on aftermarket axles.

Bolded is the key to what was said.

It doesn't matter what you have in your drive train if you indiscriminately shock load it. With an upgraded axle housing assembly it just shifts the weak point to the ujoints and yokes.

 

I've been wheeling for 20+ years, I can assure you that you don't need a D60, or even a locker, to have actual offroad-ability. Get out and use your truck, you'll soon find what you need to upgrade to go the places you want to go. Before dumping money in to axles and lockers, I'd venture to say a winch and other recovery gear is way more valuable offroad.

 

So you don't think there is any benefit?

 

Great advice guys. Thanks

 

In this case, no. I mean, yes a D60 can be way stronger than stock toyota drivetrain...you haven't yet wheeled though. If all you are worried about is the ring gear strength, there are even ways to make the stock ring gear stronger (such as cryo treating). If you were thinking you would swap this D60 in, then there would be zero difference in swapping in an OR/Pro axle.

 

No, there is a lot of benefit for certain people. It's just a tragic waste of money if it's not going to be used, and the stock axles are good enough for most folks.
The only problem I have with my Rockjock 60 is that I didn't get a 70.