Front 60 Install Begins!

[SC74]

I got the bottom of the frame painted this past week and we started on the Dana 60 HP install yesterday. I'm using CAGE arms and BC 5.5" coils up front. The CAGE arms were a pain to install since nothing fit. After hours of grinding, pounding, prying, using really long leverage bars (used the foot of a cherry picker) they are on. I got the ones used for a SAS with weld on brackets rather than using the C-bushings. We tapped the top of the weld-on bracket and used the stock bottom coil cups. The stock cups are not flat on the bottom though since they mount on a "ridge" on the stock C's so we're going to weld a 3/8" riser on the mount so they will fit like they are designed to and then we won't have to always worry about shims. For a mock up, the cups are mounted with washer shims for now.

We're having trouble getting the axle centered under the frame. It seems like if you center it from the center of axle to center of frame, the coil to king pin measurement is aprox. 2" off from side to side (with the coils perfectly plumb). I assume I'll have to adjust each coil cup an inch (give it an inch "bow") to make the measurements work) - is that ok to do?

It's going slowly, but surely. Hopefully another couple Saturdays and the front will be done. I gotta find some DOM to make the tie-rods and trac-bar after we get the axle tacked into place. Then I can bolt up the Redneck Ram set-up too!

I've got a Sag PS pump, but no bracket - any creative brackets out there to save from buying an expensive one?

Here are a few pics from yesterday.

[blazinchuck]

that looks awesome Robert. Dont you hate it when stuff just doesn't go together right? Keep up the good work,Chuck

[66bronco]

looking good.
bryan

[cuz1]

Robert,
That thing is going to be a beast. I feel like I got to hurry with my new build so I can keep up with you guys. I will be putting a full width 44 in my new build. What radius arms do you suggest I use?
carl w

[broncomatt]

Robert, coming along nice. The coils can bow and often do with a full size axle swap. Just be sure the hub face is equal on both sides or it will track funny.
As for ps pumps, you may have read my artical in BD. You can get some brackets from for vans, or modify chevy brackets. But for the money and time your far better off just bying bolt on brackets from a bronco vender.
Just keep your ps box in mind when chosing brackets, and which fan you plan to use.
broncomatt

[krazybronco]

i want a d60 under my bronco

[jollygrngiant]

Nice setup so far. Love the Cage radius arms. I've been thinking about puttin those on my bronco.
Brian :mrgreen:

[SC74]

Thanks for all of the comments and encouragement! I will definitely keep this thread alive as the build goes on. I should get it tacked up this weekend - don't want to make it permanent until I get more weight on the frame. I'm using straps now to hold it in place - crossed straps for a temp. trac bar!

I've got to figure out how to set my pinion angle - can the HP face forward some? That would make the king pins also angled, maybe 11:00 or so rather than 12:00. There's just not much room for the driveshaft to make up the difference.

I can't say much for the CAGE arms since I've only got them installed so far, but they are definitely STOUT!! The heims on them are massive. They are really heavy. After the tires, H1 wheels, 60's and other weight I'll be adding I'm going to have to find some extra HORSEPOWER in the 5.0 to push all this weight.

[blazinchuck]

you may run into a problem with the caster on the D60...it might not return to center when steering from right to left. Thats all I can think of,Chuck

[cuz1]

Robert,
What size tire you thinking of running? 38?
carl w