Installing a Ford Dana 60 Into My Jeep Wrangler - JK 1 Ton Swap

Welcome back to another episode of the Jk 1 ton axle swap video series.
In this episode it is finally time to install the 2005 Superduty Dana 60 axle into my 2010 Jeep Wrangler.
If you are new to the channel, then please check out all of the other videos of the axle swap that lead up to this point. But in short; I used a 2005 F250 axle, welded the Barnes4WD swap truss kit on, installed Yukon gear and axle 5.38 gears with a Zip locker, made my own steering with the Barnes4WD high steer weld on arms and Superduty DIY steering kit.
The wheels are Vision Manx beadlocks (I will talk more about them in a later video) part # 398BL7870UMFMR-15. They are 17”x 8.5” and have a backspacing of 4.25” which is perfect for this swap.
I used the Powerstop full brake kit which included new drilled and slotted rotors, high performance pads, and fresh powder coated calipers. Since the JK master cylinder isn’t up to the task of filling huge dual piston calipers I will have to upgrade to a J8 brake kit (future video), but in the mean time the Powerstop kit does extremely well without it.
This was a huge step in this axle swap process and now it’s time to start getting the rear 14 bolt axle ready to go under the Jeep.
Front wheel speed sensors: B01N3ORDKO
Lug Nuts: need 2 orders: amzn.to/2XEV0D7
Hundred dollar bill rug 😂: amzn.to/2ZvLR1C

[@swarbrickjesse]

Save the axles and put them under the LJ. Great video as always!

[@Adrian-rn1ym]

Bhahahahaha u bouncing the axle out of the way was priceless lol. Awsome vids Ben. Keep it up !!!

[@roncombs25701]

I thought I was the only one doing a 2 or 3 person job when working on my Jeep 🙌. A like and thumbs up for that alone lol. Awesome Jeep.

[@SuppressedArmament]

starting my swap tonight. Thanks for vids, fun to watch others doing the same.

[@austincableguy]

I have loved watching all these videos and it's great seeing the fruits of all your labor!

[@RAULHERNANDEZ-um5fm]

Amazing job sir thank you very much for letting us watch your great work I I'm so jealous on the good way lol Jeep looks great keep it up 🙏👌🏽👍🏼

[@cdmc012599]

Nice job man! Watched the whole series and loved it.

[@JoseOrtiz_1416]

Loved this idea so much that i started my own little axle swap on my new jku as well, thanks for the motivation bro looking good as usual !

[@4lotv280]

Put those axles under the LJ. That’s a bad ass idea

[@MyDatrsPrsnlATM]

Can't wait to see it in action on the trail!

[@DieselJLUJeep]

Awesome video you turned that jk into a mammoth sweet!

[@andypastore3299]

Another great video Ben. I really like how you show us that a person is able to do work on their jeep in the driveway as well as by themselves. Very humbling that to the average driveway mechanic you demonstrate "it can be done" without the big fancy shop and top of the line toolbox. Love your enthusiasm and upbeat attitude.

[@roadhouzz4275]

Awesome video Ben, can't wait to see when you get it all finished! Black on the dif covers and old axles under the LJ would make for another great series of videos

[@Aaron-jc7ri]

We start the install of my brothers 1 tons tonight! Watched all your videos to help along the way!

[@jnightrod]

Man. You’ve done some excellent work so far. Pretty impressive.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Thanks man 🤘

[@Lastjeepgarage]

Nasty Build. Gonna put those under my TJ one day so this is awesome knowledge to have. Thanks. Barnes 4wd diff cover in Steel it. Might as well.

[@countryenduro4504]

Love it man it’s coming along great

[@chrishurley9128]

good job buddy keep it up !!! I'm doing a SAS D60 and 14 bolt on my 2dr Yukon and feel your pain they are definitely straight BEEF love the videos and series!!! diff cover has to be red !!!

[@jamesonmiller9567]

Ben I have thoroughly enjoyed watching this entire series on axle swaps. I have binge watched everyone of them since I discovered your channel about a week and half ago. It's too bad I don't live closer to you because I would be over helping you on these projects just to learn! it'd be nice to have a neighbor as knowledgeable about their Jeeps as you are. Really enjoy your channel, please keep up the great work!

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Thank you!

[@apexpredator_jku]

Finally...the culmination of all that work you put in! Long time coming! Looking sweet Ben! I say you go RK long arms & 3 link it up front.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I actually have a RK 3 link kit under my work bench lol. I have to make sure it will work with these axles since the control arm mounts are wider

[@joshh6470]

I was screaming "let it down" at my screen when you where pushing the hoist out. Those things like to flop over at the worst time with something very expensive on them. Good vid and glad too see the axle finally going in.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

So true!!!

[@abnpthfdr2934]

Ben, at the very least, we know you have ONE friend; he loaned you the engine hoist... But seriously, you should have at least one person there with you assisting with filming, lifting, moving stuff around, or to at least be able to call 911!!! JK, You're awesome. I'm glued to this series, eventhough I will probably never get this done in my JK, but knowledge is knowledge, right!! Thanks for the series and all the great info you're putting out.

[@krawlerxj955]

Congrats on getting the axle under the jeep. Keep it up nice video

[@scrumdiddlyumptious73]

I remember loosing sleep before tackling my swap. I did the front on mine first also. Nothing really hard about it and I remember fighting with the bolts but all of yours slid right in (gotta love the power of video editing 😂)

[@JKGearandGadgets]

They all actually went in real well! Except for the last control arm (upper driver), little adjustment of the arm and it went right in. Glad it’s done though haha

[@ricksscalerc2222]

Can’t believe there’s dislikes on this video!! I enjoyed this Ben love how you always manage to get it done by yourself, I can see myself bouncing an axle out of the way. Haha. Sometimes the beast must come out. Great job man your JEEP is gonna be a monster!!👍🏻🇺🇸 I think I’d put the axles under the LJ.

[@jamesmarchel8386]

Dude that axle turned out amazing! It looks new

[@MicDropBBQ]

Beast!!!! I work on mine solo all the time. Often, I snag my 12yr old and have him hold a tool or a camera. Lol! You're truly a one-man show!

[@lifewithanxietyeveryday5897]

Dude you're a beast bouncing that axle and pulling it like that with tires wheels and all that's a lot of weight!

[@briabbriboski59]

Heck yeah! That thing is massive

[@HomesteadHatches]

Another killer video Ben. Congrats on finally getting the axle under the Jeep. Lots of work still left to do but damn it looks good. IMO I’d leave the diff Black or Steel-IT grey. Leave the color for the body

[@tomd1939]

I've worked on axles in my garage also, one thing that I've done is take two wooden flat dollies and connected them with thick ply wood. I then bolted down a Jack stand on each dollie and one free one under the pinion, it enables me to move it around and when I'm done it tucks away against a wall...just an idea, if my description made sense, lol

[@ronron8464]

Great job Ben👍💪

[@jakerainbird139]

This is so exciting! Sick!

[@DuelingTreeMike]

What a great series. I too thought you bouncing the axle was a riot. :-)

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Haha, after multiple attempts it was the only way I could move it over 😂

[@davidyergensen4509]

I love that garage rug!

[@kolbyschwager2229]

Looks amazing!!! actually thinking about doing the same thing.

[@phototec]

RED diff cover with your logo on it!

[@jimmyk2330]

Great video as always.....I vote black diff cover.

[@danhambrick6331]

Looks awesome Ben!!!

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Thanks Man! 🤘

[@justinburkett2560]

Nice job man!

[@DENVER-tu2gt]

I am so f-in jealous lol it looks amazing. Probably watching this long after your done with the swap but well done.

[@enriquesmith4294]

Awesome series so far, and I don't even own a Jeep!

[@ivanbarguez286]

sweet! nice job! 👍🏼

[@frankmartin806]

Love it it really looks beefy

[@ericdzikowski4629]

I would love the opportunity to win some axles after watching all these but I think you should put them under the LJ. That would make a bad ass video series itself. This series is just awesome. A red diff cover would look great though to match the rest of the Jeep.

[@shack200351]

Looking amazing as for diff try that plasti dip on the current cover I like the thought of red

[@3hunglow]

You’re the man!!!! I had my doubts at times but you did it. Congratulations!!! It looks awesome!!!

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Doubts!!? 😲😲😲😂

[@badboyjose71]

Hey ben i love your jk bro wish mine was like yours i have a 2014 4door maybe one day i could do something like yours . Anyway keep the vids coming .

[@AREyouAFRAIDofTHEdark1]

Lol I gotta say. It was comical watching you struggle with moving this axles. The struggle is real. 👍🏾👍🏾

[@strikeright54]

Every video with u in the jeep u never have fuel. Lol. Great vid again

[@4lotv280]

Also am I the only one who noticed the box that said LS SWAP on it? What are you doing Ben? Dropping hints or what?

[@50CalSal.]

yess indeed! LS swap the world lmao

[@tylergiesey1305]

i noticed this too, thought i was crazy

[@tymekiller88]

Ben thanks for doing this series for us, you speak about a high nickel welding wire could you give me more of a specific please? Like brand, type etc. thanks dude glad to see you got your axles under your jeep, I’m sure your stoked!

[@owilde64]

Alright it’s show time. Thanks Ben.

[@2003cr85r]

Those axles would be great under the LJ! Hopefully we can see that happen

[@JeepGearGadgets]

Lil Gucc wouldn’t they?! I keep telling him we should put them under the LJ

[@moneyballs]

nice video series. just a tip for when seating your tires on the back bead, put a ratchet strap around the tire. forces the tire to expand sideways over that bead a little easier.

[@countryenduro4504]

Red poison spider diff cover would look sick

[@elcompajr664]

Good video Nice job

[@robertgoff8433]

I just did the same swap on my 2010 jk & used the Barnes 4x4 hi steer mounts as well, but have my tie rod mounted on front hole of the mount ( gonna try it below how you did, since it's hitting the drag link when articulated ) With a rock krawler long arm kit. My caster is at 8°. 40" bfg kr3's. Anyway I'm getting terrible death wobble at like 30mph it honestly not even driveable like this. Looking for any insight on what might be wrong. All my steering is parallel. Tires were balanced. No hydro assist yet or stabilizer as of the moment & have stock steering box.

[@greershaw6169]

Nice video. Any issues with the Barnes frame side track bar bracket? I’ve read about contact with the pitman arm and limited turning radius. Thanks!

[@jasonscott5221]

Hey Ben, I know this is an oldie, but its a good video. Quick question, if I source a 14 bolt rear and a Ford front axle, and they are both matching 4.10 or 3.73, can i just leave the gearing alone until I'm ready to make that leap? I appreciate it.

[@samuelfink2716]

Hey Ben!! What track bar did you end up going with? Did you do a video of you welding the new track bar mount to the frame?

[@Wolfpak765]

I'd love to see those D44s on the LJ

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Same! I just want to take a break from axle swaps for a bit lol

[@Wolfpak765]

@@JKGearandGadgets can't say I blame you for that LOL

[@haroldpuhle2471]

Great video we have wanted to do this with our 15 JKU this is just the motivation that was needed. Who’s front bumper is on yours it looks sharp.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

It’s the seven slot customs Pritchett canyon frame chop

[@brianfedie8046]

Nice!

[@donj0216]

You don't miss any details 👍. Curious, do you do this for a living? Thanks for the knowledge dump!

[@andrewdarud3091]

Hi Ben, amazing content!! Really great job putting these videos together. Your video series has been a huge help getting my JL 1 ton swap underway. I'm curious what you were able to achieve as far as caster and pinion angle with the superduty front axle? It does not look like you modified the outer c position relative to the pinion.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

It has 10* of separation. So you can run 7* caster with 3* pinion. If you need more, then run the balljoint deletes and either do the 1.5 or 3* bushing for more caster. But you are going from a 6* axle to a 10* axle

[@andrewdarud3091]

@@JKGearandGadgets you rock man thank you! Finally found that info in your front axle truss install video. Should have known it was there somewhere!

[@jeremyrios6575]

LJ with JKUR axles!! That be grate would be a lot of work

[@kevinjennings4924]

How long did your drag link end up being? Can you get full turning radius of the axle?

[@wyattvance5247]

With the air lockers did you put hub locks back in or just a cover of some kind?

[@sakostwwy1903]

Awesome video. Cracked me up when your hoist was stuck. Hate when crap like that happens. Have you done a video on doing alignments? You keep saying you were going to check it. Just wondering what your process is for doing that at home?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I will try to get around to doing a video on it, it’s fairly easy!

[@davidriggins1591]

You flipping the banjo fitting over when you reinstall it?

[@davelebo6412]

Clayton Offroad long arm kits are the way to go. If you can break them they are happy to replace them. Rebuildable joints etc.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Since the axle control arm mounts are wider than stock I’ll have to see if kits like that will work, it’s possible that they will still be put in a bind

[@davelebo6412]

Well damn, I didn't think of that. You could get builder componants and fab one up. You've already gone so far may as well go all the way haha.

[@wesanderson5011]

I was impressed with the bounce and move axle over. Nice job. I was going to buy a new JL Rubicon. Guess what. I am tired of technology in cars. Especially Jeep. gCsummit diesel is going to be sold. Getting a 2 wheel drive car and an LJ! Going to build for one ton coilovers and a chev hopefully LS motor. Or a crate engine? Anyway thanks.

[@dokasamurp9826]

Black diff cover with a big red heart on it

[@millstonejeepworx]

Hey Ben, in process of starting this swap on my JK. Still stripping the brackets off my 05 Superduty 60. But wanted to ask. Did you swap your front springs? I was looking at Barnes4wd and looked over the instructions for the front axle truss. It mentions that it raises the spring mount up 2" so either shorter coils or longer shocks are needed. Don't recall that in your videos. Did you have to do any of that? I'm currently on a RockKrawler 5.5" kit.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

It raises it some, I went from 4.5” springs down to 3.5

[@roamingtiger]

My pedal was still soft until I bedded my pads then it got stiff.

[@posjoey]

What size are your wheels? I've got a 04 super duty D60 and I'm going with the the same style weld on high steer mounts. I've got 16.5x10s, how much room do you have between your wheel and the weld on knuckle mounts? I might need at least 17s. Awesome build by the way!

[@JKGearandGadgets]

You will need 17s with 4.5” backspace or less. I’m running 4.25” backspace and it’s close. 4.25” or 4” would be ideal

[@Dallas-Rife-UDX-347-Tennessee]

I'm just now watching this over a year after you posted it . Couple questions What size and width are your tires, and what brand ? Did you ever get it to quit pulling to the right ? I very recently had a 1 ton swap from an 07 Superduty diesel under my 2001 Ram 1500 . Me and a good mechanic friend of mine did an alignment the best we could with a tape measure and a level . Its much better but still need to find someone that can align it correctly so I don't wear my tires uneven . Mine pulls to the right too , not too bad but enough to be annoying for what I paid to have the work done . I have 40x16 Interco Super Swampers on custom made 17x4 steel wheels, what I call deep dish , wide stance , from the outer rim to the center of the backing plate about 5.5 inches of backspacing ... They ride horrible until they get warmed up , usually takes about 10 miles . Is this because they're bias ply tires ? They sure wasn't cheap so I know it's not because theyre a "cheap quality tire" . I'm new to all of this so when I bought the tires I was just concerned with heigth and width ..should I have bought a different tire for better pavement manners ? My sweet spot after they warm up is about 53 mph ... Am I going to be stuck doing 53 mph forever or can these things be balanced better ? I'm not saying I'm disappointed, I'm just saying it's going to suck not being able to do at least 65 mph on the freeway , or the 4 lane highway as we call it here .. I'm just not seeing a future of this truck hitting the interstate at 70 mph on my way to go trail ride an hour away , so at this point I'm just kinda frustrated . I've only been driving it a week now trying to get the feel for it . It rides so rough I'm scared to even get it up fast enough to see if it's gonna have a death wobble ? Any suggestions ? My first thought is just take it somewhere that they can correctly balance the tires and align it within spec and see how it goes from there. If anyone wants to chime in , I'm all ears . This thing is a tank , it's fun off-road but it's starting to become not so much fun getting there and I don't have the means to trailer it . Like I said, at 53 mph once the tires warm up it rides awesome , I just didn't mean to have a 53 mph trail rig built . Thanks guys

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Your biggest issue is most likely the bias ply tires. I would try to sell them while they are still new. Get a good set of radial mud tires. I’m running the Yokohama XMTs and they have great road manners. An alignment stopped my pull to the right

[@gm4x4]

What did you end up using for the trackbar mount on the frame? I can’t find anything on it in any of your videos. Is it a standard jk mount, just moved forward? Or is it a different mount that needs a longer trackbar too?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I used the barnes4wd frame bracket made for this swap, it accepts a stock track bar (just moved forward). There are other options as well made from other companies that some people say fit a little better

[@gm4x4]

@@JKGearandGadgets this one? www.barnes4wd.com/Jeep-JK-1-Ton-Front-Track-Bar-Bracket_p_1181.html

[@andymohabir5894]

Hi what fender, and bumpers you have on the jk? Thanks

[@comanchefun1612]

Man. I need help getting mine right on my MJ. I’m running 08 SD axles with a Barnes truss as well and I can’t get it to work right for me, I totally failed the test at wolf caves last weekend 😭

[@kodymarbut3595]

I am currently working on a 1 ton swap with my 2006 LJ is there a reason you mounted the tie rod below the barnes high steering arm? I noticed on their website it shows both drag link and tie rod mounted in between the mount not one underneath. Just curious if there is an advantage or just preference, I would think it would be safer inside the mount VS. a long bolt out of the bottom.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I talked about it in the video where I went over steering

[@MrSotin-mt9lj]

I bought a 2007 jk it has close to the same superduty 60 setup that you did. My problem is the turn radius. It only turns about 30 deg. It does not make it to the stops on either knuckle. Could it be a pitman arm length? What do you think?

[@gom3r69]

Do you have rough control arm lengths for the axles?

[@jeremy8715]

Use the winch on the LJ to pull the JK Dana 44

[@bayouboattrash]

Looks great!! What are the laws about tires sticking out in your area?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

😬, we will see lol

[@SubsonicShooter]

Have you done the give away for the old axles or decided what youre gonna do with them yet?

[@rickywindsor]

Gonna do details for the brakes/abs for 2007-2011 and 2012 plus? Or just the early models. From my understanding it takes a little finesse and patience for newer jks lol

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I will talk about that 🤘

[@micahhaislett3792]

Have you measured for hydro assist? Wondering what length ram it would be with these Barnes high steer brackets.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I will probably go with a 10” ram and limit it internally

[@micahhaislett3792]

JK Gear and Gadgets is the 8” too short?

[@SawyerMotorsports]

Red would look pretty cool

[@jeepn8048]

Im digging swap! Cant wait to see it done ..... What control arms are you going to go with ? I remember you said you want to do long arms . Idk if "Core 4x4" has a long arm kit , but i bought a set of thier tier 3 short arms and the quality is great, they are made in the USA by a small family owned shop , and they have a full lifetime warranty....and they come in a variety of different colors.

[@jeepn8048]

Scratch that ....."Core 4x4" does NOT offer long arms ......

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I will probably build my own long arms, of course I’ll make a video on it

[@jeepn8048]

@@JKGearandGadgets Ill be watching .....

[@shanehaws3828]

Your monster vale stems sound to me like a old trick local wheelers do with farm equipment tires like the big combine flotation tires or rear backhoe tires

[@Spyyyder1]

That shot at 3:22 was hilarious

[@PaulKaiser42]

So i know this has nothing to do with the axle swap but I was curious about how you painted the wheels on the LJ? Did you do the inside as well as the outside or just what shows??

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Sandblasted them and painted inside and out. Tires off the wheels

[@RoadHardRoadhouse]

Love your videos! As a tiny youtuber I look up to your channel! Excellent job! Ok 08 super duty duty differentials. What front brake hoses did you go with? Appreciate your help! Road Hard Roadhouse

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Thank you! And the brake lines are just standard Jk aftermarket

[@RoadHardRoadhouse]

@@JKGearandGadgets is there a adapter of any sort?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Nope! I would have made sure to have mentioned that. Just hook the brake line up to the caliper using the ford banjo bolt

[@jampakunchog]

I thought that is why the dana 44 was good for that. Is it necessary to upgrade for that or are the roads you go on that ruff.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Mostly because I’m running 40s, and rockcrawling. Dana 44s are enough for the average jeep owner

[@lokedog916]

How’s the scrub radius with those wheels?

[@gregorylowe7794]

What coil springs did you end up using?

[@KikeWolf_]

How many mpg do you got with those axles?

[@TriggerHapySheep]

swap the jk axles under the LJ! but gimme the old beadlocks first lol ill pick em up too! no shipping! XD

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Haha my buddy James is getting them, he called dibs about a year ago 😂