The Artec Industries Ford Dana 60 Front Truss for 1978-1979 trucks is a full-width, low-profile brace for the early Ford kingpin front 60. These housings are half a century old and were never meant for 40" tires, so the 3/8" steel top spans the complete axle to stop tube bend while giving you a flat platform for upper link mounts. The knuckle-angle geometry of the 78-79 axle is unique, and this truss is bent specifically for it.
Features
- 3/8" thick mild steel truss top, CNC cut and bent for accurate fit-up
- Interlocked 1/4" gussets lock together for strength and easy tack-up
- Full-width span reinforces the tubes end to end, not just the center section
- Low-profile shape stays clear of surrounding chassis and steering components
- Link joints land about 8" from the axle centerline for workable geometry
- Made in the USA from American steel
Confirm your axle is the 1978-1979 Ford front Dana 60 before ordering — later Ford, GM, and Dodge 60 housings use different bends, though Artec notes it can adapt to similar Dana 44 applications with minor modification. Installation is weld-on: stitch-weld the gussets to avoid warping the housing, expect some gusset trimming depending on pinion angle and wheelbase, and paint the bare steel afterward. For full-hydraulic steering, the Ford Front 60 Ram Mount & Truss '78-79 adds an integrated ram platform; 1985-1991.5 trucks should use the Ford 85-91.5 60 Front Truss. More options live in our axle reinforcements collection.
Ford Dana 60 Front Truss 1978-1979 FAQs
Will this fit a later Ford or a GM Dana 60?
No — the bends are cut for the 1978-1979 Ford knuckle geometry, which differs from later Ford, GM, and Dodge front 60s. Artec offers dedicated trusses for those housings, including a 1985-1991.5 Ford version. The company does note this truss can adapt to similar Dana 44 applications with minor modifications.
What does welding it on involve?
Plan on real fabrication: fit and tack the truss and interlocked gussets, then stitch-weld rather than running long continuous beads so the housing does not warp. Some gusset trimming may be needed depending on your pinion angle and wheelbase. The steel arrives bare, so finish it with paint once it cools.
Is there a version with a steering ram mount?
Yes. If you are running full-hydraulic steering on the early Dana 60, the Ford Front 60 Ram Mount & Truss '78-79 integrates a correctly angled hydraulic ram mount into the same style of full-width truss. This truss-only version is the right pick for conventional or high-steer setups.
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