Gear Pattern Advice Chevy Dana 60 Front - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

beanious · 09-20-2019, 04:52 PM

Hello all, I'm going through and completely rebuilding the axle, seals, bearings etc. I thought I'd call on the power of the interwebs for some expert advice. I think I've finally got the gear marking pattern pretty close (.007 backlash and .027 depth shim). What ya think guys, thanks!

**The Rocknrod** · 09-20-2019, 04:59 PM

Never seen better.

sweetk30 · 09-20-2019, 09:53 PM

dont forget 60 front low pinion drives on the coast side . . .

**kwmech** · 09-20-2019, 10:50 PM

Nice pattern.......... run it

beanious · 09-21-2019, 10:11 AM

Thanks for the feedback and info, the patterns are with the setup bearings. So I've hopefully only got one more disassembly, reassembly and check. Gear ratio changes are so much trial and error, can you imagine doing this on a 22 wheeler big rig? Oy!

beanious · 10-14-2019, 10:12 PM

Hello all, got done changing out the Timken setup bearings for the new Timken bearings. Since they were the same brand of bearings it was pretty much the same setup, I just had to adjust the pinion preload shims a bit to get it to the sweet spot of 30 in/lbs.

I have to admit I thought the carrier pre-load was off so I changed out the shims, but after further trial and error I realized that I just didn't press the bearings all the way on the carrier. I was trying to be careful not to damage the bearings, shims, carrier, etc. I went back to the stock settings and bam, good to go. I found some videos online that help with determining preload.

Too little carrier preload:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-RyFBZWSYM

Too much carrier preload:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8bLFqSdgYI

Correct carrier preload:
https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...arrier+preload

beanious · 10-14-2019, 10:35 PM

With the installation complete, I had a couple of thoughts that I hope will help the community and Dana 60 axle rebuilds. Take it for what it's worth...

1) The amount of time for the rebuild of my axle was 3 months, this seems a little excessive but the axle was in much worse shape than I knew, I had to travel for my job, the power went out for a week and the wife's car had issues. Long story short things come up, so plan ahead and dedicate the space and time for a long project just in case. I HIGHLY recommend a garage as if it rains on your parts, you're done.

2) The tools required are significant and add up, case spreader, 3 different torque wrenches, pipes, yoke adapter, dial indicator, heavy duty impact gun, pinion and carrier bearing removal tool, etc. That being said it's cheaper to do the work yourself and you'll be better for it but I had to buy north of 500.00 worth of tools and a good chunk of them were used Snap-On that I got at less than half price.

3) The physical wear and tear on the body is pretty decent, I only got two or three complete tear down and installs in a day. Believe me removing and installing a 50+ pound carrier over and over again is tough on your back and hands, plus the torquing and removing of the yoke and carrier caps. Everyone is different, but just saying it is a tough job.

4) The work is significantly easier if you have the axle out of the vehicle. I must have removed and installed the carrier 10+ times, with a case spreader and the axle cover pointed up I just dropped the carrier in, instead of worrying about it falling on me, or pounding it in with a hammer.

5) Use the same micrometer for measuring shims through the entire process. Even if it's the same brand they can give different readings, stick with what you start with.

6) Read the Dana 60 bible on pirate 4x4 front to back before starting, you NEED to know what you're doing before start not during or after.
http://www.billavista.com/tech/Artic...ble/index.html

7) Gear pattern is all about pressure and consistent yoke speed, I couldn't get it right by myself. So I recruited the wife to turn the yoke with a yoke tool and a piece of pipe, while I used a crowbar to apply resistance to the ring gear. The markings turned out great.

I hope this all helps!

beanious · 10-14-2019, 10:51 PM

I've attached a setup sheet that I created to be able to track before and after changes for the differential. Also, there are random notes I though of as I went through the process.

**kwmech** · 10-15-2019, 10:51 AM

Try that with a gear swap and an ARB. Got one I'm starting soon, finished welding the housing yesterday

sweetk30 · 10-15-2019, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwmech

Try that with a gear swap and an ARB. Got one I'm starting soon, finished welding the housing yesterday

x2

**mattfranklin** · 10-15-2019, 04:05 PM

I'm no expert, but this reminds me of pictures I've seen in text books that say "this is what you want." :-)

09-20-2019, 04:52 PM	#1
beanious Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 195	Gear Pattern Advice Chevy Dana 60 Front Hello all, I'm going through and completely rebuilding the axle, seals, bearings etc. I thought I'd call on the power of the interwebs for some expert advice. I think I've finally got the gear marking pattern pretty close (.007 backlash and .027 depth shim). What ya think guys, thanks! Attached Images

09-20-2019, 04:59 PM	#2
The Rocknrod Moderator Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: China Spring, TX Posts: 7,280	Re: Gear Pattern Advice Chevy Dana 60 Front Never seen better. __________________ Master Chief, US Navy, Retired 1964 C10 Step-side Short Bed - In Progress 2009 2500HD Duramax LTZ 1948 GMC Panel 1956 Big Window Stepside 1953 5 Window Chevy Stepside 1932 Coupe New Seat Foam for Bench Seats?

09-20-2019, 09:53 PM	#3
sweetk30 Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: horseheads,ny rust belt Posts: 2,794	Re: Gear Pattern Advice Chevy Dana 60 Front dont forget 60 front low pinion drives on the coast side . . . __________________ 77-k30lb BIG truck build . 87-k30lb budget beater build . 85-k30lb the plow machine build . 85-c10sb summer fun toy . ----------------------------- HOLLEY SNIPER efi = worst case of p.i.t.a i ever had . EDELBROCK pro flo 4 = best deal going so far . love my setup works great.

09-20-2019, 10:50 PM	#4
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,393	Re: Gear Pattern Advice Chevy Dana 60 Front Nice pattern.......... run it

09-21-2019, 10:11 AM	#5
beanious Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 195	Re: Gear Pattern Advice Chevy Dana 60 Front Thanks for the feedback and info, the patterns are with the setup bearings. So I've hopefully only got one more disassembly, reassembly and check. Gear ratio changes are so much trial and error, can you imagine doing this on a 22 wheeler big rig? Oy!

10-14-2019, 10:12 PM	#6
beanious Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 195	Re: Gear Pattern Advice Chevy Dana 60 Front Hello all, got done changing out the Timken setup bearings for the new Timken bearings. Since they were the same brand of bearings it was pretty much the same setup, I just had to adjust the pinion preload shims a bit to get it to the sweet spot of 30 in/lbs. I have to admit I thought the carrier pre-load was off so I changed out the shims, but after further trial and error I realized that I just didn't press the bearings all the way on the carrier. I was trying to be careful not to damage the bearings, shims, carrier, etc. I went back to the stock settings and bam, good to go. I found some videos online that help with determining preload. Too little carrier preload: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-RyFBZWSYM Too much carrier preload: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8bLFqSdgYI Correct carrier preload: https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...arrier+preload

10-14-2019, 10:35 PM	#7
beanious Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 195	Re: Gear Pattern Advice Chevy Dana 60 Front With the installation complete, I had a couple of thoughts that I hope will help the community and Dana 60 axle rebuilds. Take it for what it's worth... 1) The amount of time for the rebuild of my axle was 3 months, this seems a little excessive but the axle was in much worse shape than I knew, I had to travel for my job, the power went out for a week and the wife's car had issues. Long story short things come up, so plan ahead and dedicate the space and time for a long project just in case. I HIGHLY recommend a garage as if it rains on your parts, you're done. 2) The tools required are significant and add up, case spreader, 3 different torque wrenches, pipes, yoke adapter, dial indicator, heavy duty impact gun, pinion and carrier bearing removal tool, etc. That being said it's cheaper to do the work yourself and you'll be better for it but I had to buy north of 500.00 worth of tools and a good chunk of them were used Snap-On that I got at less than half price. 3) The physical wear and tear on the body is pretty decent, I only got two or three complete tear down and installs in a day. Believe me removing and installing a 50+ pound carrier over and over again is tough on your back and hands, plus the torquing and removing of the yoke and carrier caps. Everyone is different, but just saying it is a tough job. 4) The work is significantly easier if you have the axle out of the vehicle. I must have removed and installed the carrier 10+ times, with a case spreader and the axle cover pointed up I just dropped the carrier in, instead of worrying about it falling on me, or pounding it in with a hammer. 5) Use the same micrometer for measuring shims through the entire process. Even if it's the same brand they can give different readings, stick with what you start with. 6) Read the Dana 60 bible on pirate 4x4 front to back before starting, you NEED to know what you're doing before start not during or after. http://www.billavista.com/tech/Artic...ble/index.html 7) Gear pattern is all about pressure and consistent yoke speed, I couldn't get it right by myself. So I recruited the wife to turn the yoke with a yoke tool and a piece of pipe, while I used a crowbar to apply resistance to the ring gear. The markings turned out great. I hope this all helps! Last edited by beanious; 10-15-2019 at 01:03 AM.

10-14-2019, 10:51 PM	#8
beanious Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 195	Re: Gear Pattern Advice Chevy Dana 60 Front I've attached a setup sheet that I created to be able to track before and after changes for the differential. Also, there are random notes I though of as I went through the process. Attached Images

10-15-2019, 10:51 AM	#9
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,393	Re: Gear Pattern Advice Chevy Dana 60 Front Try that with a gear swap and an ARB. Got one I'm starting soon, finished welding the housing yesterday

10-15-2019, 04:05 PM	#11
mattfranklin Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Moraga, CA Posts: 801	Re: Gear Pattern Advice Chevy Dana 60 Front I'm no expert, but this reminds me of pictures I've seen in text books that say "this is what you want." :-) __________________ (Very) Slow-Going Build Thread: Stock 1970 Short Step with Stock 1970 LT-1 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=567340



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.