1978-1979 Dana 60 Front Axles in Ford Trucks had a Ford Axle Code Tag with the Ford Production Part Number and Dana Bill of Material Number (BOM) stamped on a metal Build Tag (red arrow) attached to the differential by two of the differential cover bolts (yellow arrows) when the vehicle was shipped from the factory but, unfortunately, these tags are often missing on trucks that had prior differential service. The BOM number is a 6 digit number beginning with a 6 plus a dash number (ex: 610604-2). They can be used to determine not only the axle model, but also what components the axle was originally built with. We often ask for this number to insure we provide you with the exact parts you need for your truck.
Each different BOM number signifies an engineering part change which may be minor or major and may involve one or more parts. The dash number indicates the axle ratio and, for some years, the front wheel hub style (for single or dual rear wheel models).
1978 and 1979 axles have a unique to Ford, reverse spiral ring and pinion set available in either 3.54 or 4.10 gear ratios. Cover: 10 Bolt, 12" high Ring Gear: 9-7/8", 12 Bolt
Suspension: Leaf spring
Knuckle Mounting: Open with Greaseable King Pins. Upper uses spring loaded plastic bushing rotating on a tapered King Pin. Lower has taper roller bearing.
Wheel Hub: 1978 and 1979 Ford Dana 60 axles have an internally splined hub in which a splined drive gear or lockout hub assembly would fit into.
1978-1979 Bill of Material Numbers 1978: 610023 (Ford parts Book also lists a "3500lb." Dana 60 BOM# 610010-4 that is not on Dana's list) 1979: 610023
1980-1984 Bill of Material Numbers Ford did not use the Dana 60 Front Axle for these years!
