The Dana 60 axle has been popular for more than 30 years and can be found in many makes of trucks and cars from U.S. auto manufacturers. These axles have axle shafts inside of them, and these shafts must be removed so you can perform work on the differential, the axle bearings, or the oil seals on the end of the axles. If you have a problem with your Dana 60 axle and you need to remove the axle shaft, you can do so in about an hour.
Apply the emergency brake. Lift the axle with the jack until the wheels are off the ground. Put jack stands underneath the axle, then lower the jack. Take off the wheels using a tire iron.
Put the drain pan underneath the differential, which is the large area in the middle of the axle that connects to the driveshaft. Unbolt the differential cover with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket, then peel off the cover. Let the oil empty into the drain pan.
Unbolt the differential gear shaft retainer, which is the single bolt mounted horizontally in the middle of the differential, using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Pull the differential gear shaft out of the center of the differential.
Pull the brake drum off the axle using both hands. Push the axle shaft in toward the differential. Move back to the differential, and locate the C-clip on the inside of the axle shaft. Pull out the C-clip with long needle-nose pliers.
Slide the axle shaft out of the Dana 60 axle housing carefully with both hands, then set it on the ground.
