rear end id

[86k10]

I have a friend who just bought a 60 1/2 ton short box with an 05 6 liter in it. He asked me what rear axle it has and i said i don't know anything about ones that old. As far as i can tell it's original, how can we determine ratio and is there a positraction unit available for it.

[Captainfab]

If it is a '60 Chevy, then it will be a Eaton HO32 differential. It will have a rear cover that is perfectly round with a filler plug. It will also have a drop out 3rd member, much like a Ford 9".

Im my experience the most common gears in those are 3.90's. There was an optional gear ratio of 3.38, which is currently available from the aftermarket. I believe Yukon Gear makes them. Randy's Ring and Pinion is one dealer for them. To my knowledge there are no aftermarket posi's or lockers available for the Eaton HO32. The easiest way to determine the gear ratio is to pull the rear cover and either look for the tooth count stamped on the edge of the ring gear, or simply count the teeth, and divide. More than likely the gearoil needs changed anyway, as the differential is often neglected when it comes to maintainence. It will only cost you a couple quarts of gear oil and a cover gasket.

[86k10]

I thank you for the info, i'll pass it along.

[61_FL_Apache]

If it has a rear cover to remove, the ratio will be stamped on the ring gear.