"The Eaton Axle Blues!" - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

felixkg · 03-14-2008, 03:53 AM

i know that my truck has a eaton axle, but i don't know which one it is. is it the HO72 or the HO52? what are the visible differeces on the two? can i ID it on my VIN? i want to buy that detroit locker for it, but i don't know how to ID the axle. can someone help me?

my truck: 1972 chevy k20 (c20 badging), 350/sm465, dana44 front axle, tuff as nails, ect...

1969k10stepside · 03-14-2008, 05:58 AM

It should be a Ho52 if original.Post some pics of the truck if you get a chance.

Longhorn Man · 03-14-2008, 06:08 AM

except for brakes, it doesn't matter much, however...
If it is a 3/4 ton, and it is original, then it is an HO52... the HO72 was only installed in one ton trucks.

I moved this to the truck forum... you had it oin the suburban forum.

pumpkin · 03-14-2008, 06:52 AM

The detriot locker is the same for both the 52 and 72. The difference between them is that the 72 has a ring gear deflection bushing right oposite the pinion gear. There is a bolt and lock nut to adjust it, that you can see on the side of the carrier, if it is an ho72. If you can not find a locker for an eaton, one from a 14 bolt will bolt right in. You just have to use 14 bolt axles, as it has a different spline count.

Longhorn Man · 03-14-2008, 07:40 AM

the 52's had that too... I've had 3 HO52's...all of them had it, one of them was a coil rear, which has to be a 52 since they never made any one tons (ho72) with coils.

**special-K** · 03-14-2008, 04:36 PM

Some HO52 rears had the deflection adjuster...correct.The lockers aren`t made anymore for these.You`ll have to find an axle with it or adapt the 14-bolt unit.It gets expensive.Lockers run around $500,used 14-bolt axles,cut & dressed,I`d do carrier/pinion bearings,and set-up cost if you don`t do rears...prolly around $800-1,000.
Try to find a used HO52 with "No-Spin"(locker) or look for a 14-bolt w/locker installed,for your cheapest route.

Sinister · 03-14-2008, 10:44 PM

So that's it for limited slip options for the Eaton? That sucks...

pumpkin · 03-14-2008, 11:52 PM

I scored a new in the gm box, detroit locker for an eaton for $200,,,, its not for sale.

**special-K** · 03-15-2008, 04:58 AM

I had to pass on a N.O.S. one for $500.You stole that for $200.

BCOWANWHEELS · 03-16-2008, 09:44 AM

JERK THAT OLD OBSOLIETE REAR END, INSTALL A 14 BOLT AND BE DONE WITH IT. you,ll be glad you did and save tons of $$$$$$$$$$
bob

Mike C · 03-16-2008, 05:51 PM

Not quite so easy with a coil spring truck, however. But there are some coil spring Dana 60's out there if you look. But either way, adding a locker to one that doesn't already have it will cost you.

justcuz · 03-19-2009, 09:02 PM

Go to Pirate 4x4 and look at Eaton comments. There is nothing wrong with the Eaton HO 52 or 72. The brakes are the toughest thing to fix (drums are the hardest to find) but you can bolt on a 14 bolt disc brake kit to fix that.
The Eaton is just as strong, lighter and has more ground clearence than a 14 bolt. For anyone that has one and does not like it, I'll take every one you want to give away! If you are worried about axles and gears 14 bolt side gears and axles bolt right in. These rear ends are practically indestructible and most folks don't bother swapping the axles unless they are using a 14 bolt Detroit locker. To answer a final question, the No Spin (detroit locker) is the only traction aiding device for an Eaton. No limited slip clutch type traction aid was ever made for this rear axle to my knowlege.

BCOWANWHEELS · 03-19-2009, 09:09 PM

also tire wear with a locker will be half of the tire wear with a open diff. gas milage will also drop. and on wet slick roads in a curve be ready for the rear to come around if it breaks loose. i,d do a modern 14 bolt and a limited slip personally for on road use. i have 2,ho52,s . srw & 1 ho72 drw if you need any parts.
bob

03-14-2008, 03:53 AM	#1
felixkg Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: humble, texas Posts: 2	"The Eaton Axle Blues!" i know that my truck has a eaton axle, but i don't know which one it is. is it the HO72 or the HO52? what are the visible differeces on the two? can i ID it on my VIN? i want to buy that detroit locker for it, but i don't know how to ID the axle. can someone help me? my truck: 1972 chevy k20 (c20 badging), 350/sm465, dana44 front axle, tuff as nails, ect...

03-14-2008, 05:58 AM	#2
1969k10stepside Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: USA Posts: 21,019	Re: "The Eaton Axle Blues!" It should be a Ho52 if original.Post some pics of the truck if you get a chance. Last edited by 1969k10stepside; 03-14-2008 at 05:59 AM.

03-14-2008, 06:08 AM	#3
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: "The Eaton Axle Blues!" except for brakes, it doesn't matter much, however... If it is a 3/4 ton, and it is original, then it is an HO52... the HO72 was only installed in one ton trucks. I moved this to the truck forum... you had it oin the suburban forum.

03-14-2008, 06:52 AM	#4
pumpkin Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: East Sooke B.C. Canada Posts: 543	Re: "The Eaton Axle Blues!" The detriot locker is the same for both the 52 and 72. The difference between them is that the 72 has a ring gear deflection bushing right oposite the pinion gear. There is a bolt and lock nut to adjust it, that you can see on the side of the carrier, if it is an ho72. If you can not find a locker for an eaton, one from a 14 bolt will bolt right in. You just have to use 14 bolt axles, as it has a different spline count.

03-14-2008, 07:40 AM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: "The Eaton Axle Blues!" the 52's had that too... I've had 3 HO52's...all of them had it, one of them was a coil rear, which has to be a 52 since they never made any one tons (ho72) with coils.

03-14-2008, 04:36 PM	#6
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: "The Eaton Axle Blues!" Some HO52 rears had the deflection adjuster...correct.The lockers aren`t made anymore for these.You`ll have to find an axle with it or adapt the 14-bolt unit.It gets expensive.Lockers run around $500,used 14-bolt axles,cut & dressed,I`d do carrier/pinion bearings,and set-up cost if you don`t do rears...prolly around $800-1,000. Try to find a used HO52 with "No-Spin"(locker) or look for a 14-bolt w/locker installed,for your cheapest route. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

03-14-2008, 10:44 PM	#7
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	Re: "The Eaton Axle Blues!" So that's it for limited slip options for the Eaton? That sucks... __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match...

03-14-2008, 11:52 PM	#8
pumpkin Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: East Sooke B.C. Canada Posts: 543	Re: "The Eaton Axle Blues!" I scored a new in the gm box, detroit locker for an eaton for $200,,,, its not for sale.

03-15-2008, 04:58 AM	#9
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: "The Eaton Axle Blues!" I had to pass on a N.O.S. one for $500.You stole that for $200. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

03-16-2008, 09:44 AM	#10
BCOWANWHEELS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: KINGSPORT,TN. Posts: 3,035	Re: "The Eaton Axle Blues!" JERK THAT OLD OBSOLIETE REAR END, INSTALL A 14 BOLT AND BE DONE WITH IT. you,ll be glad you did and save tons of $$$$$$$$$$ bob __________________ I BELIEVE IN JOHN 3:16

03-16-2008, 05:51 PM	#11
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,727	Re: "The Eaton Axle Blues!" Not quite so easy with a coil spring truck, however. But there are some coil spring Dana 60's out there if you look. But either way, adding a locker to one that doesn't already have it will cost you. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

03-19-2009, 09:02 PM	#12
justcuz Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Alta Loma, Ca. Posts: 930	Re: "The Eaton Axle Blues!" Go to Pirate 4x4 and look at Eaton comments. There is nothing wrong with the Eaton HO 52 or 72. The brakes are the toughest thing to fix (drums are the hardest to find) but you can bolt on a 14 bolt disc brake kit to fix that. The Eaton is just as strong, lighter and has more ground clearence than a 14 bolt. For anyone that has one and does not like it, I'll take every one you want to give away! If you are worried about axles and gears 14 bolt side gears and axles bolt right in. These rear ends are practically indestructible and most folks don't bother swapping the axles unless they are using a 14 bolt Detroit locker. To answer a final question, the No Spin (detroit locker) is the only traction aiding device for an Eaton. No limited slip clutch type traction aid was ever made for this rear axle to my knowlege.

03-19-2009, 09:09 PM	#13
BCOWANWHEELS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: KINGSPORT,TN. Posts: 3,035	Re: "The Eaton Axle Blues!" also tire wear with a locker will be half of the tire wear with a open diff. gas milage will also drop. and on wet slick roads in a curve be ready for the rear to come around if it breaks loose. i,d do a modern 14 bolt and a limited slip personally for on road use. i have 2,ho52,s . srw & 1 ho72 drw if you need any parts. bob __________________ I BELIEVE IN JOHN 3:16

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