70 GMC Dana 60 FF Rear Axle Swap to ????

[BILT4ME]

We have a 1970 GMC 3/4T K2500 4x4 350/4 SP with a Dana 44 front and a Dana 60 FF rear. All the numbers on the truck match from the axle housings to the engine and transmission , VIN on frame and cab.

Unfortunately, the yahoo that owned it previously has shelled the R&P at least once, and the spiders at least once, then welded in the center pivot pin to the carrier.

So now I have looked into getting a new R&P (4.10) a Detroit Locker to have them installed for $1400+/-. Then I start looking at the 30 spline axles and discover that the splines are half worn through. The axle shafts are $200 each.

Then I look at brakes. The shoes are shot, the wheel cylinders are shot, and I need to check the ID of the drums to make sure they are within spec. Assuming they are NOT (Since everything is worn out on this truck), then figure another $100 each for the drums. That means I will have about $2300 in the rear axle after I install new wheel bearings and seals, brake drums, shoes, wheel cylinders, R&P, Diff.

What other year/brand axle came in a 4.10 version that I can purchase and install under this same leaf spring truck and it will have e-Brake cables still on it? I don't care if it is disc or drum rear brakes at this point. Hell, if I need to, I'll buy the front AND rear axle assemblies as well as the power brake booster and sway bar from the same 4x4 and install all of it under there.

I COULD go to the point of 100% restoration, but that seems excessive for the cost of the rear axle alone.

The front axle is a Dana 44 with open knuckles and drum brakes. Both of the hubs have a race spun in the hub. Since it was a one-year-only setup, where do I get hubs? Again, cheapest way to get front and rear axles from a newer truck and maybe upgrade to disc brakes in the process......

All advice requested.

[Bigdav160]

Same body style is the easiest. Square body donor is next. But they are getting harder to find in wrecking yards. My rear axle came out of a '75. I had to move the shock mounts and spring perches (to get the pinion angle correct)

[BILT4ME]

Originally Posted by Bigdav160

Same body style is the easiest. Square body donor is next. But they are getting harder to find in wrecking yards. My rear axle came out of a '75. I had to move the shock mounts and spring perches (to get the pinion angle correct)

Thanks Bigdav160!

That's kind of what I figured.

Here's what I found:
A 1972 3/4T Dana 60 with 4.10 gears! Great?!?!?!? Right? The ring and pinion are rusty. A pile of flake rust fell out of the diff cover into the diff and I cannot turn the pinion one full turn. Not sure if it is the bearings or the crap in the diff or an actual problem. The spiders look clean and work well.

The spring perches on the 72 are 2" farther apart than the ones on our 1970?!?!?!?!?

Do I buy it for $75

Will the 72 axle shafts work in the 70 housing?
Will the 72 brake drums and hubs work on the 70 housing?

What say you forum?

[57taskforce]

The 72 isn't a 2 wheel drive axle is it? I think the perch locations are different between 2 wheel and 4 wheel axles.

[BILT4ME]

Originally Posted by 57taskforce

The 72 isn't a 2 wheel drive axle is it? I think the perch locations are different between 2 wheel and 4 wheel axles.

I don't know. It could be. It also has rubber bumpers on the FRONT side of the axle inboard of the shock mounts, with the rubber pointing up. (I've never seen those before)

I'll bet you're right.

The BOM Info on the tube is:
5 29 2 C6 603322 1 date ???????? I'm sure it's 5 29 72 ??
The one on my 70 4x4 is:
3 2 0A1 603107 1 date of 3 2 70 B7

Will ANY parts interchange other than the carrier?

[BILT4ME]

57TaskForce was right! It appears to be a 2WD axle in the 72.

Does anyone know if the axle shafts will work from one to the other? Brake Drums?

[57taskforce]

I would think they would interchange as long as the wms of both axles is the same. I really don't know for sure tho