WOD Early Ford Dana 60 Front Axle Truss - Weld-On
WF03017
The WOD Early Ford Dana 60 Front Axle Truss is a weld-on reinforcement designed to increase axle housing rigidity and reduce axle tube deflection in demanding off-road applications. Precision-cut from 1/4" steel plate, the truss is contoured to fit the differential housing and extend across the long-side axle tube, providing additional structural support where high steering, suspension, and drivetrain loads can stress the housing.
Designed for compatible Early Ford Dana 60 front axle housings, this heavy-duty truss helps distribute loads across a larger portion of the axle assembly. Its 38.625" overall width provides reinforcement for rock crawlers, rock bouncers, trail rigs, and custom solid axle swaps running large tires, locking differentials, and high-torque drivetrains. Welding and final fitment are required, making it a practical upgrade for builders strengthening an existing axle or assembling a custom off-road front axle.
Includes:
- (1) WOD Early Ford Dana 60 Front Axle Truss
Important: Welding and custom fabrication are required. Verify your axle housing configuration, differential location, and suspension clearance before installation. This truss is designed for Early Ford Dana 60 front axle applications and should not be assumed to fit other Dana 60 housing configurations.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Wide Open Design |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Front Axle Housing Truss |
| Axle Platform | Early Ford Dana 60 |
| Axle Position | Front |
| Material | 1/4" Steel Plate |
| Material Thickness | 0.250" |
| Overall Width | 38.625" (38-5/8") |
| Overall Height | 6.75" (6-3/4") |
| Overall Depth | 2.5" (2-1/2") |
| Construction | Precision-Cut Steel Plate |
| Design | Contoured Differential Housing Reinforcement |
| Coverage | Differential Housing & Long-Side Axle Tube |
| Installation Type | Weld-On / Custom Fabrication |
| Condition | Weld-Ready |
| Primary Application | Early Ford Dana 60 Front Axle Reinforcement for Off-Road & Custom Builds |
| Country of Origin | Made in the USA |
| Quantity | (1) Axle Truss |
Dimensional Note: Measurements are based on the WOD Early Ford Dana 60 truss drawing. Verify available clearance around the axle housing, steering components, and suspension mounting locations before installation.
Fitment
| Make | Model | Year Range | Axle Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford | F-Series / Custom Builds | Verify Housing | Compatible Early Ford Dana 60 Front Axle |
| Universal | Custom Off-Road Vehicles | Universal | Early Ford Dana 60 Front Axle Swap |
Axle Compatibility:
- Designed for compatible Early Ford Dana 60 front axle housings.
- Suitable for custom solid axle swaps using the specified housing.
- Intended for front axle reinforcement applications.
- Not a universal fit for all Ford Dana 60 front axle generations.
- Not intended for Dana 44 or other axle platforms without substantial modification.
Common Applications:
- Rock Crawlers & Rock Bouncers
- Heavy-Duty Trail Rigs
- Custom Ford Truck Builds
- Tube-Chassis Off-Road Vehicles
- Solid Axle Swaps
- High-Torque Off-Road Builds
Installation Notes:
- Verify the axle housing is an Early Ford Dana 60 before ordering.
- Confirm differential housing shape, axle tube location, and available mounting clearance.
- Mock up the truss before welding to verify proper contact with the housing and axle tube.
- Check clearance around steering linkages, suspension brackets, spring mounts, and other axle-mounted components.
- Remove coatings, rust, and contaminants from welding surfaces before installation.
- Tack weld and verify axle alignment before completing final welds.
- Use controlled welding procedures to reduce the risk of axle housing distortion.
- Inspect axle tube alignment and housing straightness during fabrication.
- Final trimming or fitting may be required for modified axle assemblies.
Builder Note: Axle trusses should be installed during the fabrication stage whenever possible, before suspension brackets, steering mounts, and other components limit access to the housing. Mock up the complete axle assembly and cycle the steering and suspension through their intended range of motion before final welding. Proper alignment and controlled heat input are important for maintaining axle housing integrity.
FAQ
What does an axle truss do on a Dana 60?
An axle truss reinforces the axle housing by distributing bending and torsional loads across a larger structural area. This helps increase housing rigidity and reduce axle tube deflection under demanding off-road conditions, especially when running larger tires, locking differentials, and high-torque drivetrains.
Will this truss fit every Ford Dana 60 front axle?
No. This truss is designed specifically for compatible Early Ford Dana 60 front axle housings. Ford Dana 60 axles have been produced in different configurations, so verify the housing shape, differential location, and axle tube arrangement before ordering.
What material is the WOD Early Ford Dana 60 truss made from?
The truss is precision-cut from 1/4" thick steel plate for weld-on reinforcement of the axle housing and long-side axle tube.
What are the dimensions of the Early Ford Dana 60 axle truss?
The truss measures 38.625" wide, 6.75" high, and 2.5" deep according to the WOD product drawing. These dimensions should be checked against the available space around the axle and suspension components.
Why does the truss extend across the long-side axle tube?
The longer axle tube has a greater unsupported span and can experience increased bending loads during aggressive off-road use. Extending reinforcement across this section helps distribute stress and improve overall housing rigidity.
Does the WOD Dana 60 axle truss require welding?
Yes. This is a weld-on reinforcement component that requires proper fitting, surface preparation, and welding. Professional fabrication is recommended to maintain axle alignment and prevent heat-related housing distortion.
Can this truss be used on a custom solid axle swap?
Yes. It can be used in custom off-road builds and solid axle swaps equipped with a compatible Early Ford Dana 60 front axle housing. Vehicle-specific suspension and steering clearance must be verified during installation.
Will an axle truss help prevent axle tube bending?
A properly installed truss increases structural support and helps resist axle housing deflection under load. However, it cannot guarantee that the axle housing will never bend or fail under extreme impacts or operating conditions.
Can the truss help prevent axle tubes from rotating in the differential housing?
By reinforcing the connection between the differential housing and axle tube, a properly fitted and welded truss can help reduce movement at this junction. Proper weld preparation, penetration, and axle housing condition are critical to the effectiveness of the reinforcement.
Should I install the truss before welding suspension brackets?
Whenever possible, install and mock up the truss during the early fabrication stage. This allows easier access to the axle housing and helps ensure adequate clearance for suspension brackets, steering components, and other axle-mounted hardware before final welding.
