The venerable '60 has been available in either high- or low-pinion designs and was never used in an IFS application. Custom Differentials warns to steer clear of the rare but virtually identical Dana 61 because most of the parts are not interchangeable.
Applications: Front and rear.
Type: Semi- and full-floating.
Spline count: 16, 23, 30, 32 and 35.
Factory ratios: 3.54:1 through 7.17:1.
Maximum tire size for stock axle: 38.5-inch.
Strong point: Available in a variety of widths, most of which were full-floaters.
Weak point: The driver-side carrier bearing was known to spin on the carrier and this often spun the race, which can damage the housing.
Junkyard jewel: A heavy-duty front '60 can be found on '78 and '79 ¾-ton Ford pickups equipped with the snowplow package. Some late '70s and early '80s Dodge trucks had 35-spline '60 rear axles. Rear '60s are easy to find.
Building secrets: The spider-gear roll pin is small and hollow, and is prone to breakage. Builders often double up the roll pin for extra strength (slide one inside of another). Also, replace the pinion yoke with a 1350-series yoke for extra strength. Finally, be careful about the spline count. Look for the 32- and 35-spline axles, avoid the 16s and 23s.
Aftermarket alternatives: Currie Enterprises, DTS Custom Service, Dynatrac, Custom Differentials.