Kingpin Dana 60 Knuckles

Got a problem with broken steering knuckles, or want to build a super-strong new steer axle?
We've got your solution!

New Dedenbear Chevy style kingpin knuckles are $259/each ($518/pair), plus shipping.
Dedenbear Ford style kingpin knuckles are $289/each ($578/pair), plus shipping.

Dedenbear outer steering knuckles:

Dedenbear knuckles are approximately 2-3x as strong as stock, and utilize higher-grade nodular iron than factory Dana 60 knuckles.

Note the addition of a fifth kingpin stud hole for even greater steering arm security. Dedenbear knuckles work with all standard four-stud arms; we are happy to add the fifth hole to other arms whenever possible, for maximum strength.

Dedenbear knuckle shown with secondary steering stop, and modification of standard cast-in steering stop to use adjustable stop bolt. These are additional-cost modifications which can be provided by Rockstomper, to your knuckle purchase.

Common steering knuckle questions-n-answers:

What's different between a kingpin knuckle and a balljoint knuckle?
Kingpin or balljoint refers to the pivoting parts between the inner and outer knuckles--kingpin knuckles rotate on machined bushings and bearings, while balljoint knuckles rotate on a ball-and-socket joint.

Why would I want kingpin knuckles?
Kingpin knuckles are generally stronger, easier to maintain, and more durable than balljoint knuckles. Also, if you break an axle, the broken chunks can pop out the ball joints in a balljoint knuckle--kingpins can't be popped out like that.
Kingpin knuckles also use a conventional spindle, wheel bearing, and hub assembly. Most balljoint knuckles are designed to use an expensive dealer-only "Unit Bearing" wheel hub assembly that isn't maintainable separately--you just wait till it wears out, throw it away, and buy a new one.

If kingpins are so good, why did Ford and Dodge change to balljoints?
Balljoint knuckles have fewer machined surfaces, and use less material. For an application where the knuckles are being loaded properly (small tires, minimal offset, street use) and not side loaded, ball joints are strong enough. Being that they cost less to manufacture, the OEM's switched to save money--$5 a knuckle is a lot of money if you build a million trucks a year.
Since OEM light trucks don't use large tires, and they're not intended to go rockcrawling, they don't have to worry about the side loads that 38" and bigger tires put on the front axle.

What other stuff do I need in order to use kingpin knuckles?
Our kingpin knuckles are designed specifically to be as interchangeable as possible with OEM components. You need inner knuckles (aka "C"s, forks, end yokes) on your axle appropriate to kingpin knuckles--these were used by Ford, GM, and Dodge for many years, and are available separately from us as well. Kingpin rebuild and repair components (bearings, bushings, bolts, caps, springs, etc.) all interchange with stock parts, and are available from us or your favorite local parts house. Spindles, hubs and wheel bearings are also stock or stock-replacement parts, also available from us or other parts sources. All common kingpin Dana 60 high steer arms fit our knuckles. Five-stud Dedenbear knuckles will accept standard four-stud arms; we are happy to modify most standard arms to allow use of the fifth stud.

Aren't these knuckles awfully heavy?
A stock Chevy Dana 60 knuckle weighs approximately 16.5 pounds. Our new knuckles weigh approximately 22 pounds each. A stock Dana 44 knuckle weighs approximately 10.5 pounds. The extra weight comes from additional ribs, which add strength to the knuckle, and the use of a stronger material than stock parts. We feel the weight is well worth it.

We also offer a Ford/GM hybrid brake swap kit. Click Here for more information about the swap kit.
May require custom brakelines and/or tierod for use on Ford.

New product now available:

Dedenbear inner C's for Dana 60.

Built based on ultra-beefy Dana 70 axle parts, but to work with all stock or aftermarket Dana 60 steering knuckles.

Available to fit 2.75, 3, 3.125, or 3.5 inch tube sizes.

The only forged kingpin inner C's on the market.
Heat-treated for extra strength.
Indexing ring machined in for custom bore sizing if necessary.
$244 each, plus shipping.

Other machine work available to further modify Dana 60 knuckles to your needs:

Install adjustable steering stop, using 1/2" heavy-duty stop, $25 per knuckle

Enlarge upper kingpin bolt holes to 9/16 from stock 1/2, $40 per knuckle

Add second steering stop, $40 per knuckle

Other parts to help complete your custom Dana 60 buildup:

GM/Dodge spindle studs, $3 each (this is a limited-availability part, discontinued by Dana--when it's gone, it's gone!)

Spindle bolts (1/2x2 socket head cap screws), $1 each

Click here to check out our 35 spline conversion parts page for more axle beef parts!

Call for info on complete custom axle buildups--we're happy to build hybrid axles using everything from Dana 44 to Eaton centers, as well as other aftermarket centers, to your needs--rear steer, custom differential offsets, improved clearance, etc.

We run what we sell--Dedenbear knuckles, front and rear, on our in-house test mule.

Order these products online, click here