65 C10/C20 rear drum to disc

[nelson-ohio]

Since the front drum to disc is going relatively well, I decided to take a look at the rear to see how much work it will be if I want to convert it to disc as well. My truck is a C10 with a C20 frame.

The rear is an 8 lug as shown in the picture below. I didn't get the rear assembly when I got the front end from the 84 donor C20. I wasn't sure if I wanted to do much since the rear looked to be in very good condition.

Do I need to swap the whole rear with a later model donor? What options do I have. There must be someone also did something like this, didnt find any link with a quick search. Maybe someone can point me to it?

Thanks.

[skipns]

If that's a 14 bolt it's a fairly simple swap, does require some welding and you'll need to get a couple brackets. I looked into it a while ago when I had my '63 4x4.
http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/transmission-drivetrain/129-1103-14-bolt-disc-brake-conversion/
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[jtrichard]

He has a Dana 60........ From you other post there is question as to what frame you have I would say that since there is NO serial numbers on the frame that it is a GMC ....and with the HOME made (modified to fit V8) engine mount brackets it had a V6 in it originally (also screams GMC).... Rear leaf also screams GMC and with those rear brake drums it would be any where from 67 to 70 3/4 T GMC I have the same rear axle in a 63 ( I replaced the 1/2T rear years ago) and had to get new drums and did not know just what rear I had used as the replacement finally figured it out as 65/70 GMC .... If the Dana is like a 14 bolt if you pull the Diff cover you might find out (year on ring gear) what year it is.... I know some of these things were use on a FEW Chevy but mostly on GMC

[Captainfab]

There are rear disc caliper brackets for the Dana 60's, but there are so many different backing plate flanges. I'm not sure if anyone makes a bracket for the flange on the GM Dana 60's.

[nelson-ohio]

Well, I guess this is part of the "fun" working on old previously owned cars. The rear end does not seem to match at all. From what I can tell, the rear end on the truck is a 10 bolt. It has 9 bolts on now, but I can see 1 position missing a bolt. I don't know if it suppose to be 14 bolt or what, but does it mean this was replaced at some point? How do I find out exactly what I have? After that, I will try to see what I want to do about upgrading or replacing it.

[jtrichard]

NO need to upgrade or replace VERY good rear as far as rear axles go (DANA 60) .....just my have problem finding a disc set-up for it.... also i would say it is ORIGINAL to the frame as i stated MOST likely a GMC 65 to 70 ... check this out https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dana_60

[Captainfab]

As jtrichard said, you have a Dana 60. There will be the number 60 cast into the lower web 'gusset' that goes up to the axle tube. That differential is likely original to your truck's frame.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a Dana 60. They are a good tough differential with tons of aftermarket support

Originally Posted by nelson-ohio

Well, I guess this is part of the "fun" working on old previously owned cars. The rear end does not seem to match at all. From what I can tell, the rear end on the truck is a 10 bolt. It has 9 bolts on now, but I can see 1 position missing a bolt. I don't know if it suppose to be 14 bolt or what, but does it mean this was replaced at some point? How do I find out exactly what I have? After that, I will try to see what I want to do about upgrading or replacing it.