Build Thread for my Dana 44 and Dana 60 axles... Pics & Questions Inside

**Big-n-Broke-YJ** · 06-26-2006, 06:16 PM

so i got my axles finally. They came from a 1979 Forf F250. Dana 44 front. Dana 60 rear.

Started grinding on them the other day... here is my progress so far... spending a couple beers a day on them. Really in no hurry since I can't afford to build them all at once anyway.

Now I'm stuck..... How do i go about removing the brake drums on my dana 60? If i attempt to loosen the nuts on the side of the assembly that faces the pumpkin i spin the screws inside the drum.

I removed the bolts at the very end... but that only resulted in mmy axle shaft and some gear oil coming out.

on a aside note, i bought one of these:

tried it on one spot so far to see how it will work and i'm guessing it'll take 3 or 4 to polish all the rust off the axle... which sucks @ $14.00 each... but they work so i guess i'll go with it.

here's the one spot i tried it on so far...

well, any help with getting the drums off would be great.....

thanks in advance... i'll be adding to this thread as i make more progress.

-Erik <--- worn out after 30 minutes of grinding

jeepnguns · 06-26-2006, 11:02 PM

the drum and hub unit come off as one heavy piece you have to remove the big spindle nut inside the hub unit( it will take a special socket) and all the wheel bearings. the drum is held to the hub by the pressed in wheel studs.

**Big-n-Broke-YJ** · 06-26-2006, 11:33 PM

aaaaaah i was hoping that wasn't the case....

anyone know where to buy the special socket?

rbn1357 · 06-26-2006, 11:37 PM

Are you going to convert the drums to discs? Those look really heavy!

**Big-n-Broke-YJ** · 06-27-2006, 05:41 AM

yea definatly going to convert to disc brakes! drum brakes scare me since everytime i've rtied to adjust them or replace them i end up with extra parts...

STUFF · 07-10-2006, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big-n-Broke-YJ

aaaaaah i was hoping that wasn't the case....

anyone know where to buy the special socket?

You can get one @ Auto-Zone,etc.That's where I got mine 4 my truck.

STUFF · 07-10-2006, 10:35 PM

If U R re-building anyway and have access 2 a sand/bead blaster,I'd go this route.Also, I believe that U can buy a blasting gun @ Sears. OR,U could probably make 1 relatively easy. Both can B used 2 suck the medium(sand/glass beads,etc.)directly out of a 5 gal. bucket. Seems much less labor intensive and is much more thorough.[P.S: play sand is pretty cheap 2.]

**Big-n-Broke-YJ** · 07-11-2006, 09:16 AM

yea i definatly want to sand blast them... problem is i don't have a compressor... i do however have a friend accross town with a huge one but i don't want to load these on a trailer to do that until i'm done with completely removing everything.... which is proving to be harder than i thought it would be due to this funky brake setup on the rear... well, funky compared to what ive ever worked with before.... need some kinda huge ocket... or maybe two, i forget.

-Erik <--- might go work on them today since i have the day off work

YJBlues · 07-11-2006, 09:18 AM

From the looks of that nut, someone has used a punch or chisel to take them off and put them on before.

**Big-n-Broke-YJ** · 07-11-2006, 09:37 AM

humm, good call.... maybe i'll try that before i drop $15

06-26-2006, 11:02 PM	#2
jeepnguns Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Las Cruces NM Posts: 756 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	the drum and hub unit come off as one heavy piece you have to remove the big spindle nut inside the hub unit( it will take a special socket) and all the wheel bearings. the drum is held to the hub by the pressed in wheel studs. __________________ 88 Wrangler 350 Chevy engine vortec heads Holley Pro-Jection Ford T-18 Tranny Dana 44s Detroits w/ 5.89s 38" Swamper SX Lots of other random things and dents

06-26-2006, 11:37 PM	#4
rbn1357 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hollister Posts: 483 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Are you going to convert the drums to discs? Those look really heavy!