[Prowbar]

Haha, don't believe I missed out on anything Fetch...

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Finalized the Dana 60 install yesterday.

Took one additional leaf out of the leaf spring package as I've seen some forum posts where the 1500s had a 2000lb and 2750lb leaf spring package. I'm pretty certain mine had the heavy-duty 10-leaf package. Decided to remove two leaf springs to get closer to the 2000lb rating.

Anyway, installed the rear axle with all the new components. The new U-bolts needed a slight modification in the corner. The originals were forged and allowed a much sharper radius due to their shape.

The brakes almost bled themselves by gravity only, only the right one took 3 pumps to clear out all the air.

Had to install the axle outside around freezing temperatures, that SAE 90 gear oil is thick as molasses... Quite a lot of fun creeping underneath the truck to fill up the axle to the required amount.

Used lots of rust-preventative grease and anti-seize on all the components. When I had everything installed and the bolts snugged, I drove it on the lift to finish torquing all the bolts to spec. All the U-bolts and leaf spring bolts needed to be torqued to 200 ft-lbs according to the book... Quite the chore to do, the U-bolts stretch a lot before the torque spec is reached.

When all was said and done, it was time to break in the gears. Drove home, around 15 miles under light throttle. Checked the temperature halfway through the trip and when I was home. The temperature halfway was 77 Fahrenheit and 95 degrees Fahrenheit when I got home. Looks pretty good. No strange noises or howls either as far as I can tell.

The suspension is much improved now. Could use some new rear shock absorbers, though. The original Delco Remy's are still installed but show their age now.

Did another trip today, 15 miles or so. The end temperature was around 100 Fahrenheit, I drove at around 40-50 miles per hour this time.

The 3.54s gear change makes driving a whole lot more fun compared to the 4.11s! The 2nd and 3rd gear take much longer before you have to shift, and there is no need to rev up the engine as much. Driving 55 in 4th gear is very pleasant, not having to wind out the engine as much.

Very satisfied with the change so far.