HD Rear end recommendation for a 1967 C10 w/Coil Springs

[wesmigletz]

I have a 67 C10 with a 12 bolt rear and coil spring suspension. I want a stronger rear end for regular driving duties, and some 11 second 1/4 mile passes. I prefer a bolt-in rear end, but will consider having one built.

What would be a good source for a donor rear end? Are there any bolt-in Dana 60s? What about modifying a late model rear end to work? In addition to having the coil spring brackets welded on, would they need to be narrowed, too?

A shop recommendation in the North Dallas area would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Wes

[Mrturner1]

Sub'd, getting ready to do this as well.

[The Chainsaw]

A set of axles and C-clip eliminators in your 12 bolt is plenty.

My uncle has a 72 swb with a sbc and nitrous. Runs bottom 11's on stock axles with just the C-clip eliminators.

[68bowtie]

mid to late 70's big ford cars (t-birds, etc) came with disc brake 9" rears with 5'x5" bolt pattern. the mating surface width is pretty close to the c10's.

[SS Tim]

Actually Chevy installed 6 lug 3.54:1 Dana 60 rear ends in 68-70 C10 trucks with 396 engines and either suspension. They can also be found in 67-70 GMC C1500 and K1500 in a selection of ratios.

[Redline novdog]

I would be more worried about the driveshaft holding up than the 12 bolt. If the ring and pinion and bearings are ok , Run it!

[special-K]

Is your truck 5 or 6-lug? While GMC used the 6-lug semi-floating Dana60 in some 1500s of ths era, try finding one. And finding a coil spring one will be many times more difficult. 88-up Z71 and light duty 2500s used a 14-bolt semi-floater that might make a good swap. You can have a Dana60 5-lug custom built. I want to do a Dana60 in my '67 project, but probably way down the line after it is on the road. I am fine with high strength shafts and c-clip eliminators till then. If you do break one, then is the time to build something stronger. That may never happen. Part of running the 1/4 mile is breaking stuff as you get faster.

[wesmigletz]

Thanks for all the responses. I'm expecting to put 500+ HP to the wheels, with a blown 6.2L engine with cam and heads, and am worried about the stock rear end. I'd hate to destroy a nice factory 12 bolt posi that could be sold or traded. I figure that I'm going to have to have a drive shaft built.

A bolt in 6 lug Dana 60 would be great if I can find one. I don't think I could put a Ford 9" rear in my truck. I got a 9.3 inch Pontiac posi, that I had built for my old 57 Chevy, but at 60", I think it's too narrow. I'm going to have to have a drive shaft built.

[wesmigletz]

Originally Posted by SS Tim

Actually Chevy installed 6 lug 3.54:1 Dana 60 rear ends in 68-70 C10 trucks with 396 engines and either suspension. They can also be found in 67-70 GMC C1500 and K1500 in a selection of ratios.

Tim, thank you for sharing these charts, they will definitely help with my search.

[wesmigletz]

Originally Posted by special-K

Is your truck 5 or 6-lug? While GMC used the 6-lug semi-floating Dana60 in some 1500s of ths era, try finding one. And finding a coil spring one will be many times more difficult. 88-up Z71 and light duty 2500s used a 14-bolt semi-floater that might make a good swap. You can have a Dana60 5-lug custom built. I want to do a Dana60 in my '67 project, but probably way down the line after it is on the road. I am fine with high strength shafts and c-clip eliminators till then. If you do break one, then is the time to build something stronger. That may never happen. Part of running the 1/4 mile is breaking stuff as you get faster.

Yeah, I always manage to find the next weak link, but never do it at a good place or time. I also figure, that out of the current vehicles I own, I have the best chance of keeping the truck in a straight line and in one piece with the power the engine will be making.