Differentials are Dana 60 but the drop boxes on the ends are Versatile.
All you need is to have something break with one wheel and the differential gears will allow both wheels appear to turn freely.

 

I hate to be "that guy" but they're Dana 70 HD. At least the broken engine end axle tube I just replaced today on my 276. My brother got a few strange looks bringing it home for some reason. Even had one lease checker flag him down to let him know he lost a wheel. Lol.

I'd pull the diff cover (it'll be a tight fit between the banjo and frame) and you will be able to see the spider gears turn when you spin the good side and they won't turn on the bad side.

Like others have said it's probably a broken axle shaft but could be stripped splines on the shaft also.

Touch wood but I've never had an issue with the drop boxes themselves beyond bearings and seals.

Does yours have updated blue axle tubes? Original was 5/8" wall and I think the blue ones are 3/4". You can fit 7/8" wall 4" 4140 pipe in there. Don't ask how I know or what it's like to have one give out with a bale 12' in the air.

How many hours? I like how almost everything is off the shelf. This one has 19k hours of abuse I mean use and just keeps kicking.

 

You could drop the oil in your drop box's and diff and look for metal. If you find chunks it would give you somewhere to start looking for problems.

 

We had a 256 that we used and abused here for a long time. We twisted axle shafts(goes between diff and drop box) off on it quite frequently. It would usually act as you describe. Also when you have it apart check the axle tubes for cracks cause its not fun when the crack breaks 5 miles from the shop.

 

thanks every body so far checked for filling or chunks and no luck on either side so any other suggestion to which side i should take apart first

 

Just a thought but is the drive shaft to that diff turning? Could have snapped the output shaft in the transmission.
To check the axles jack up one side and turn the wheel and listen for any unusual noise its possible you might be able to hear something that will help you pinpoint which side has the issue.

 

I would have thought the loader end would always be the end that would snap an axle housing on those tractors, my theory is all shot to **** now LOL.

 

This one has had all the axle tubes changed. 4"x2.25" 4140 tube seems to be the cure. It definitely has been rode hard and put away wet.

We pulled a silage wagon for several years with this chained up on all fours and it got pushed down a hill more than a few times. The only thing that would stop you is when the pole would bind up with the rear wheels. Never blew a tire but came close lots. Definitely would have stressed the rear tubes a little. Anyone who's been pushed down a hill in an articulated tractor with no clutch I'm sure can relate.

 

That makes sense, more then just loader use as I was picturing slowing down too fast with bales on the front and the rear lifting off the ground and then come smashing back to earth ...

 

The broken diff or axle is on the cab end the drive shaft does turn the diff from the transmision.bought this tractor about 5 years ago it has 8900 hours on it now mostly used for grain bag extractor and snow blower and yard tractor,I think the axle tubes are orginal yet they are still red, this mornig just going take it apart and see what I find.

 

Got it apart this morning gear and axle are stripped in drop box end ,now just have to find some parts is the axle a dana part to if it is what truck would have come from the gear in the drop box I will probably have to go to a wrecker though any ideas where I could get this,Iam by Saskatoon Saskatchewan

 

I will probably have to go to a wrecker though any ideas where I could get this,Iam by Saskatoon Saskatchewan

Best bet is Gratton Coulee in Irma Alta. They had a pretty good supply of these tractors.
Not sure whats available from the dealer yet lots of stuff discontinued, I had to get a gear for the transmission made up at The gear center in Edmonton.

 

There was an update program to change the drop box bolts (I assume you're has 6 on each side) from 8.8 to grade 10.9. Not all units got done though.

Are you meaning it's stripped between the bottom gear of the drop box and the output axle?

Gratton coulee has a pretty good selection usually.