1966 GMC Dana 44 problems

[60-66]

I have a 66 GMC Suburban and Im on my second rear axle. Ive blown the spider gears in both with my stock 400 SB and TH 350. ( last night in the burn out pit at a local car gathering at a friends ) Each time this was NOT from excessive amount of that abuse, this rear ends first ! Anyway, Im looking for a better rear axle. Any ideas ? Thinking of a 1971-1972 5 lug 12 bolt so I can match up with the 5 lug front discs. Plus its a GMC with leaf springs to add to the search .

[Captainfab]

A 12 bolt would be a bit better IMO. You don't have to have a '71-'72 12 bolt. The '73-'82 12 bolt is the same width. You will just have to change the shock mounts. The '73+ spring perches are a little bit farther apart, but there is typically enough movement in the springs for it to not be a problem. The '71-'72 12 bolts might be the same, I just have not dealt with those.

[60-66]

Thanks Captainfab , we checked one of the 73 up rears yesterday and you are correct, its about a 1/4 inch difference spring eye center to center or 1/8 inch per side. Also the perch is 2 1/2 wide verses a 2 inch 1966 perch. I scored a 1972 12 bolt 3:73 posi about an hour from me from a member of this site. THANKS JOHN ! He thought it was a 1972 GMC as it had leaf springs, I was surprised to see it was not a Dana 44 but also feel the 12 bolt was a bonus ! Its a direct bolt in, same shock mounts and spring perch.