Larger tires, added armor, roof-top tents, and trail gear all increase unsprung and overall vehicle weight—often beyond what a 4×4’s OE axle was designed to handle. Whether you’re wheeling a Wrangler JK, JL, Gladiator JT, or the sixth-generation Ford Bronco, modifications can push the rear axle beyond its factory load capacity and fatigue threshold. The result? Increased stress, reduced service life, and the potential for axle failure under load. That’s why the Ultimate Dana 60 Semi-Float rear axle exists—engineered as a direct-fit upgrade, it delivers higher load ratings, improved durability, and greater strength when compared to the stock axle.

The Ultimate Dana 60 Semi-Float axle offers increased strength over the OE axle to offset the added weight of vehicle modifications, increased engine output, and larger, heavier tires.

Dana Has A Long History Providing Axles For Jeeps And The Ford Bronco

The Ultimate Dana 60 Semi-Float Crate Axle is one of the latest offerings from Dana, a company with a long history of innovation in the automotive world. For example, did you know that Dana invented the encased U-joint? That’s a significant achievement, and the company has had many other successes, including in the original equipment (OE) axle space.

The company has been a supplier to Jeep for over 80 years. The relationship began with the 1941 Willys MB, which was fitted with a Dana 25 front axle and a Dana 27 rear axle. Dana axles were used under the Jeep CJ, as well as the Wrangler YJ, TJ, and JK. Today, Dana AdvanTEK axles are found under the Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT.

Dana also has a long history with the Ford Bronco. Depending on the model year, the first-generation Ford Bronco was equipped with either a Dana 30 or a Dana 44 front axle. Dana supplied the Dana 44 front axle for the second-generation Bronco and the Dana 44 TTB for the third- through fourth-generation models. Today, Dana AdvanTEK axles are also used under the front and rear of the new sixth-generation Bronco.

Dana has supplied axles to Jeep for over 80 years.

The Dana 60 Has Been Produced Since the 1960s

The company has a strong track record with Jeep and the Ford Bronco, but it has also developed many other iconic axles, including the renowned Dana 60. It has been in production since the 1960s and has been used in a variety of Ford, Dodge, Chevrolet, and Jeep applications. Additionally, the Dana 60 is available in several variations, including a full-float (the axle shafts transmit torque, while a spindle and hub carry the vehicle weight) and semi-float (the axle shafts transmit torque and carry vehicle weight) rear axles. In the past, there was even a rear-steer version that was marketed by General Motors as Quadrasteer.

The stout Dana 60 is arguably one of the most popular axle swaps in the off-road world, and it can be found in both short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase 4x4s powered by everything from high-horsepower gasoline engines to torque-oozing diesel engines.

The Quadrasteer system was an option on some GM pickups and SUVs, and the rear axle was based on the Dana 60. (Ken Brubaker photo)

About Dana’s Crate Axle Program

Another notable offering from Dana is its crate axle program. Dana Crate Axles include: the Ultimate Dana 44, Ultimate Dana 44 AdvanTEK, Ultimate Dana 44 AdvanTEK FDU, Ultimate Dana 60, Ultimate Dana 60 Semi-Float, and Ultimate Dana 80. Additionally, there are bracketless versions of the Ultimate Dana 60, Ultimate Dana 60 Semi-Float, and Ultimate Dana 80. Dana is also producing wider 73- and 76-inch bracketless Ultimate Dana 60 Semi-float rear axles.

These prepackaged kits are perfect for axle upgrades or custom builds. Each includes the axle housing, genuine Spicer gearing, bearings, axle shafts, and more.

The Ultimate Dana 60 Semi-Float Crate Axle is available for the sixth-generation Ford Bronco, the Jeep Wrangler JK, JL, and the Gladiator JT.

Bolt-In, Plug-In Upgrade

The new Ultimate Dana 60 Semi-Float Crate Axle is a stout upgrade for the sixth-generation Ford Bronco, the Jeep Wrangler JK, JL, and the Gladiator. Zack Heisey, Senior Manager of Aftermarket Engineering, Sales, and Warranty at Dana Incorporated, told us, “If you added more weight to your rockcrawler or overland rig, the increased strength and weight-carrying capacity of the Ultimate Dana 60 Semi-Float is a perfect solution. The axle is available as a bolt-in, plug-in upgrade for the Jeep JK, JL, JT, and the sixth-generation Ford Bronco, and is available bracketless in 5-lug and 6-lug for your project.”

Heisey adds, “The Dana 60 rear axle has been around since the 1960s. Some of the most powerful muscle cars came with an available Dana 60 rear axle.” That’s why the axle’s ability to handle high horsepower and torque translates to durability off-road. This explains why it’s a popular choice for 4×4 upgrades and custom builds.

About The Ultimate Dana 60 Semi-Float Axle

The Ultimate Dana 60 Semi-Float axle has a robust set of features that includes 3.5-inch-diameter, 0.400-inch-wall axle tubes, dual-row tapered roller wheel bearings, and 35-spline chromoly axle shafts. Additionally, the axle comes with a Spicer 9.75-inch ring-and-pinion, a heavy-duty cast-iron differential cover, and a raised track bar mounting location to decrease the likelihood of off-road damage. Furthermore, it has heavy-duty suspension brackets and uses a Spicer 1350 strap-style/half-round end yoke. Finally, the axle is filled with synthetic 75W140 lube prior to delivery.

Whether you purchase the Jeep or Bronco version of the Ultimate Dana 60 Semi-Float axle, Dana notes that you’ll have your choice of 3.73, 4.10, 4.56, 4.88, or 5.38 axle ratios depending on configuration. You can also get the axle with either an ARB Air Locker or an Eaton ELocker locking differential.

Ultimate Dana 60 Jeep Application Notes

If you’re upgrading your Jeep JK, JL, or JT from a factory semi-float axle, the Ultimate Dana 60 Semi-Float axle offers a straightforward upgrade. It supports the continued use of stock wheels and brakes, while also accommodating aftermarket brakes, helping to reduce both installation complexity and overall cost.

In addition, it pairs effortlessly with the Ultimate Dana 44 front axle, allowing you to retain the factory five-lug hubs and maintain full compatibility with your vehicle’s systems.

The axle also fits most aftermarket suspension kits, but you may need to use longer bolts at certain suspension mounting points. For the Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT, the Ultimate Dana 60 Semi-Float axle reuses the original equipment ABS sensors. By contrast, the JK version includes new ABS sensors, ensuring proper functionality right out of the box. All of the Jeep (JK/JL/JT) Ultimate Dana 60 Semi-Float rear axles are JL/JT Wide Track width at 67.9 inches.

Optional components include a driveshaft U-joint strap kit, an ELocker wiring harness, a switch kit, and a locker integration kit (for OE JL and JT Rubicon).

Ultimate Dana 60 Bronco Application Notes

The Bronco version of the Ultimate Dana 60 Semi-Float axle provides compatibility with factory brakes, as well as aftermarket brake kits. It also retains the factory wheel studs and bolt pattern, making installation more straightforward. Additionally, it reuses the original equipment ABS sensors, but you may need longer bolts at certain suspension mounting points.

To simplify the electrical connection, the kit includes a Dana pigtail connector that links the Eaton ELocker to the OE locker wiring harness. For ARB Air Locker-equipped axles, a Dana pigtail is included (a switch and relay are required for installation). Since the original Bronco track bar does not fit this axle, Dana includes a new, compatible track bar in the kit.

When it comes to locking options, you can choose the axle with an Eaton ELocker that offers gear ratios from 3.73:1 to 5.38:1. Alternatively, the axle is also available with an ARB Air Locker, offering gear ratios from 4.56:1 to 5.38:1.

The Bronco Ultimate Dana 60 Semi-Float matches the OEM WMS of 69 inches. It is also available in 73- and 76-inch widths.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re upgrading proactively or addressing an existing axle problem, the Ultimate Dana 60 Semi-Float Crate Axle offers a reliable, high-performance solution for your Jeep Wrangler JK or JL, Gladiator JT, or sixth-generation Ford Bronco. Best of all, it’s designed for straightforward installation, so you can get on the trail quickly and hassle-free.

Photos by Dana