14 bolt vs Dana 60 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Growdon · 12-29-2002, 07:34 PM

If you guys have seen my other post I am looking at buying a new 71-72 4x4. I have found 72 GMC with a Dana 60 rear axle. I was also making arrangements to buy a 14 bolt from a 77 1 ton for my project. WHat do you guys think. Thanks

mikep · 12-29-2002, 07:39 PM

Much better parts availabilty with the dana 60. The 14 bolt has a larger ring gear but the dana 60's is large enough. At least with the posi carriers the Dana 60 carrier is substantially stronger than the 14 bolts. Ive used some that were going on 40 years old that worked as good as when they were new. You might even consider a dana 70 if you want 35 spline axles.

Ever seen a 14 bolt under a championship drag race car?

ozarkhippie · 12-29-2002, 07:44 PM

I know from around here the guys who have pulling trucks say the 14 bolt is much stronger than the dana 60 in the axles. The 60 axles will twist into. I have never noticed any of them using the 60 in the rear. I even see the ford guys using 14 bolts.

**jerry moss** · 12-29-2002, 08:17 PM

14 bolt full floaters are stronger all the way around, the axle shafts in a dana 60 aren't much bigger than a 12 bolt. i've seen a lot of broken axle shafts in 60s. parts for 14 bolts are readily available, every 3/4 ton or 1 ton got a full floater 14 bolt from 73 up to ???
there's even a newer version with rear discs if you so desire or rear disc conversions for the drum brake units.

HeavyK20 · 12-29-2002, 08:38 PM

Aren't the 14 bolt pinion shafts supported by three bearings instead of two like the 60?

breeh · 12-29-2002, 09:10 PM

One advantage of the D60 in a 4x4 is increased ground clearance over the 14 bolt.

Ratpowerd67 · 12-29-2002, 11:21 PM

that right. you can shave a 14 bolt to gain some back.....ive seen it done alot.

Hooter · 12-30-2002, 03:12 AM

Well one problem I can see with using a corporate on your truck is the placement of the shock mounts. I like 14 bolts, never broke one yet. I have seen a few Dana 60 axles break before.

Tuffold72 · 12-30-2002, 05:39 AM

I guess it all depends on what your driving style is. Is the 14 bolt stronger? Yes, but it also weighs about 200 pounds more then a 60, and hangs lower by about 1 1/2 inches. Unless, I really planned on wheelin the pee outta my truck, I wouldnt waste my time swapping a 14 bolt in over a 60.

12-29-2002, 07:34 PM	#1
Growdon Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Northern California Posts: 53	14 bolt vs Dana 60 If you guys have seen my other post I am looking at buying a new 71-72 4x4. I have found 72 GMC with a Dana 60 rear axle. I was also making arrangements to buy a 14 bolt from a 77 1 ton for my project. WHat do you guys think. Thanks

12-29-2002, 07:39 PM	#2
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	Much better parts availabilty with the dana 60. The 14 bolt has a larger ring gear but the dana 60's is large enough. At least with the posi carriers the Dana 60 carrier is substantially stronger than the 14 bolts. Ive used some that were going on 40 years old that worked as good as when they were new. You might even consider a dana 70 if you want 35 spline axles. Ever seen a 14 bolt under a championship drag race car? __________________ No truck :-(

12-29-2002, 07:44 PM	#3
ozarkhippie Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Eureka Springs AR Posts: 494	I know from around here the guys who have pulling trucks say the 14 bolt is much stronger than the dana 60 in the axles. The 60 axles will twist into. I have never noticed any of them using the 60 in the rear. I even see the ford guys using 14 bolts. __________________ Buy Sale or Trade 71 3/4 4x4 72 1/2 ton cheyenne 4x4

12-29-2002, 08:17 PM	#4
jerry moss Born Psycho Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: brentwood,cal,usa Posts: 4,949	14 bolt full floaters are stronger all the way around, the axle shafts in a dana 60 aren't much bigger than a 12 bolt. i've seen a lot of broken axle shafts in 60s. parts for 14 bolts are readily available, every 3/4 ton or 1 ton got a full floater 14 bolt from 73 up to ??? there's even a newer version with rear discs if you so desire or rear disc conversions for the drum brake units. __________________ jerry moss 72 cheyenne super K20- tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,tow hooks,bumper guards,toolbox,aux. fuel tank,posi front and rear,plus other goodies!!! SOLD 69 suburban K20-tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,4 inch all spring lift,4 speed, 14 bolt full floater, dana 44 HD,warn winch,posi front and rear,tow hooks,plus other goodies. 73/80 chevy/gmc K20 SB400,turbo 400,205,tilt,a-c,gas hog. 77 K/5 cheyenne blazer-daily driver/beater. SON HAS IT NOW BRENTWOOD,CALIFORNIA

12-29-2002, 08:38 PM	#5
HeavyK20 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: New Richmond, WI Posts: 547	Aren't the 14 bolt pinion shafts supported by three bearings instead of two like the 60? __________________ Eric 1969 K20, 465/205 package

12-29-2002, 09:10 PM	#6
breeh Recovering 67-72 Addict Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: North Bend, WA Posts: 1,788	One advantage of the D60 in a 4x4 is increased ground clearance over the 14 bolt. __________________ 68 Short Fleet 4x4; 427; BTO Level 3 700R4; NP205; Dana 60 front and rear; 4" lift with 35's; Disc brakes; AGR variable ratio steering; factory bucket seats; factory tach and tilt. "Friends call me cruzer cuz I like fast cars and fast women"

12-29-2002, 11:21 PM	#7
Ratpowerd67 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Trenton ,Texas Posts: 328	that right. you can shave a 14 bolt to gain some back.....ive seen it done alot.

12-30-2002, 03:12 AM	#8
Hooter My other Love Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Castlegar B.C. Canada Posts: 4,085	Well one problem I can see with using a corporate on your truck is the placement of the shock mounts. I like 14 bolts, never broke one yet. I have seen a few Dana 60 axles break before. __________________ Castlegar B.C.The great white North (Canada Eh!) Hooter_5@hotmail.com First generation Monte Carlo club pictures of my life

12-30-2002, 05:39 AM	#9
Tuffold72 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Oregon Posts: 69	I guess it all depends on what your driving style is. Is the 14 bolt stronger? Yes, but it also weighs about 200 pounds more then a 60, and hangs lower by about 1 1/2 inches. Unless, I really planned on wheelin the pee outta my truck, I wouldnt waste my time swapping a 14 bolt in over a 60.

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