Dana 60 front and lift spring question

[averagef250]

I'm running a dana 60 front axle under my 70 f-250 4x4. The front axle is from an 86 F-350 that I retubed for highboy width. Essentially the same as 78-79, but with different brake calipers. The truck is completely tore apart right now while I'm making a bunch of changes. I had 6" springs in the front and 9 inches of blocks in the rear. Yes, I had some wheel hop issues. I'm trying to make the truck as functional as it can be. The rear stacked blocks have to go. It's a daily driver, it tows huge loads and occasionally goes off road. I don't need the lift, I'm only running 35" BFG's and for the rear overloads to work correctly I have to run the stock springs. So, I've got the rear sitting at stock height right now and the front is jacked way up. I want to lower the front as far as it will go and clear the 35's and not run into problems with the high pinion axle. Is there anybody out there running a high pinion 60 front with stock front springs? I'm thinking my headers are gonna be real close to the pinion, but can't tell because the engine's out right now. I have a low pinion disc brake 60 front from a 76, but they're a real pile of junk compared to the high pinion axles. I don't want to run it if I don't have to. Any thoughts? Thanks.

Dustin

[Doug Comer]

When I built my truck, 70 f250 with a FE it had a 44 up front with the high pinion. The headers I bought for it hit the drive line. I bought a set of shortys from Sanderson and everything clears now. I am running a dana 60 high pinion now with the stock spring and 285/75r-16 tires. Hope this helps.

[460 crew]

My BFG 35in mud terrains still bump the fenders with a skyjacker 4in lift with the 460 and a D60 HP. L&L chassis exit headers with no problems.

Why not lift the rear by reversing your shackles to even it out and leaving the single stock 4in block? Hmmm just noticed you tow large loads with it. Flipping may not be an option for you then.

[averagef250]

Thanks for the insight Doug. The high pinion axle looks pretty tight and I've heard of header problems before. I've got the not very impressive hedman elite jobbers now, but I'll have to look into the sanderson headers. You wouldn't have a part number or anything for them would you? I'm also running an FE.

My truck has become much more of a work truck than a play truck over the years and the stock rear spring setup probably is the way to go for me. Thanks.

[averagef250]

Ordered the headers today. Part # FF427. I'll post how they fit when they arrive in a week.