I have a 89 KP Dana 60 from a F350 and will be using it for a SAS on my 97 Chevy. I want to stay with leaf springs.
I want to get this axle modified to be the spring pad width of the 78-79 D60s so bigger tires won’t rub on the leaf springs.
What’s the best way to go about doing this? I’ll have to get a machine shop to do it, so I need to understand the process before I start talking to shops about it.
Is it as simple as shortening the long side and extending the short side?
How would a shop keep the caster angle exactly as it is now? Does the axle sit in a jig while it’s being cut and welded?
Does a sleeve need to be inserted/plug welded for support after the tubes are cut and welded back together? Or sleeved on the outside? Or trussed for strength after?
After all this is done I should be able to use my hubs and lockouts and just order new axles and stub shafts for the 78-79 axle right?
I want to get this axle modified to be the spring pad width of the 78-79 D60s so bigger tires won’t rub on the leaf springs.
What’s the best way to go about doing this? I’ll have to get a machine shop to do it, so I need to understand the process before I start talking to shops about it.
Is it as simple as shortening the long side and extending the short side?
How would a shop keep the caster angle exactly as it is now? Does the axle sit in a jig while it’s being cut and welded?
Does a sleeve need to be inserted/plug welded for support after the tubes are cut and welded back together? Or sleeved on the outside? Or trussed for strength after?
After all this is done I should be able to use my hubs and lockouts and just order new axles and stub shafts for the 78-79 axle right?