Dana 60 in 1970 GMC C2500 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

SonomaComa · 08-22-2016, 06:29 PM

I have a Dana 60 Rear End in my 1970 GMC C2500 with rear leaf springs.
In the hub I just replaced Inner and Outer Bearings and Seals while replacing the rear brakes. I drove about 15-20 miles and noticed something was wrong. Took the right rear Drum off and the bearing blew apart! Immediately checked the oil and it was fine less than 1/4" below the fill plug. After looking real close I noticed the bottom of the fill plug is just about dead even with the bottom of the axles! Should I park it facing downwards on a hill to fill it? Or on a slant with the left side lower? I was very shocked that the GL-5 80w-90 Gear Oil was not all over the place.

**kwmech** · 08-22-2016, 07:13 PM

When servicing the bearings spreading some grease on the bearings will help for a while before the 90wt can makes its way down the tube. If the tubes got drained out while performing this type of work, you should over fill by at least a quart...then drive it for a short distance, then recheck to see if it is still where it should be

snj8198 · 08-22-2016, 07:30 PM

I jack each side up one at a time to allow oil to drain down the axle tubes to the bearings then check again.

As Kw said, over filling a bit wont hurt.

davepl · 08-22-2016, 09:01 PM

I have the same truck and same axle. In my case the area where the bearing sits was worn and they had to machine and sleeve it. Otherwise it was going to spin in place!

**jerry moss** · 08-22-2016, 09:58 PM

always put grease on the bearings, it's cheap insurance. it take a while for the gear oil to work it's way down the shafts to get to the bearings. at work i pack them just like i would front wheel bearings and i've never had a bearing failure in 30+ years doing it that way.

SonomaComa · 08-23-2016, 02:33 AM

Right on you guys. Thanks for the info.
Wish I would've known sooner. My Dana 60 axle is now a goner. The right rear inner bearing got so hot it turned blue and welded itself to the axle housing. I used a cut off wheel to score it and an air hammer to remove it. After about 25 minutes it came off and it gouged about half way through the axle housing.
Those Timkin Bearings and Races were $163.00 per side not counting the $27.00 Seals!

BILT4ME · 08-23-2016, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SonomaComa

I have a Dana 60 Rear End in my 1970 GMC C2500 with rear leaf springs.
In the hub I just replaced Inner and Outer Bearings and Seals while replacing the rear brakes. I drove about 15-20 miles and noticed something was wrong. Took the right rear Drum off and the bearing blew apart! Immediately checked the oil and it was fine less than 1/4" below the fill plug. After looking real close I noticed the bottom of the fill plug is just about dead even with the bottom of the axles! Should I park it facing downwards on a hill to fill it? Or on a slant with the left side lower? I was very shocked that the GL-5 80w-90 Gear Oil was not all over the place.

BTDT. I did exactly this on my Dad's 1978 K20 back in 1982. I pulled the wheels, redid the brakes, replaced the wheel bearings, jumped in the truck and took off! I made it a mile down the road before the rear wheels locked up. I forced the truck back to the house and took a different vehicle. My Dad ended up having to use a cutting torch to remove the races from the hub and spindle. Now, I do exactly what Jerry Moss does. I pack them with a gear oil compatible grease and do them just like a front wheel bearing. (Make sure the grease you use it of the same type as the gear oil so the grease will dissolve into the oil and not turn it into an incompatible goo by mixing a synthetic oil with petroleum grease.)

Bigdav160 · 08-23-2016, 11:04 AM

Even the factory service manual says to pack the bearings with "high melting point grease".

I don't think they were meant to be oil bath bearings.

LONGHORN1962 · 08-23-2016, 12:02 PM

Sonoma, there are people who can cut off the old spindle and press in a new replacement. We have had it done in the shop where I work.

SonomaComa · 08-23-2016, 12:09 PM

What's the best type of grease to use with GL-5 80w-90?

**Ol Blue K20** · 08-23-2016, 12:10 PM

Pick and Pull in Fairfield has a 70 with a Dana 60. I saw it on Sunday.

SonomaComa · 08-23-2016, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LONGHORN1962

Sonoma, there are people who can cut off the old spindle and press in a new replacement. We have had it done in the shop where I work.

Will that be strong enough on a 3/4 ton? I haven't been able to find any Dana 60's for sale near me that will work, lots of duallys though.
Is there a good replacement rear end that would bolt right in its place?

LONGHORN1962 · 08-23-2016, 12:31 PM

Basically it's just like a new one. The original spindles are pressed in, then welded. A 14 bolt gm. axle will bolt in with minor mods to the spring perches. Usually found in 1973-1987 3/4 tons.

BILT4ME · 08-23-2016, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SonomaComa

What's the best type of grease to use with GL-5 80w-90?

It depends on the brand and type as well (ingredients) If you use a synthetic GL-5, then you need a synthetic grease of the similar compatibility.

Check out the chart at the link below.

If in doubt or need more info, call the oil/grease manufacturer. I spent some time on the phone with a rep for Lucas Oil to confirm that the Red-N_Tacky#2 grease (for the wheelbearings) was compatible with the gear oil I bought at O'Reilly auto (cheap Mastercraft brand)

http://www.machinerylubrication.com/...-compatibility

SonomaComa · 11-17-2016, 01:35 PM

Well according to this Dana 60 Manual I found it says...
"Lubricate only with clean axle lubricant of the same type
used in the axle sump. Do not pack the bearings with
grease before installation. Grease will prevent the proper
circulation of axle lubricant and may cause wheel seal
failure."
http://media.spicerparts.com/cfs/fil...o/xmzz0551.pdf

08-22-2016, 06:29 PM	#1
SonomaComa Registered User Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Sonoma County California Posts: 83	Dana 60 in 1970 GMC C2500 I have a Dana 60 Rear End in my 1970 GMC C2500 with rear leaf springs. In the hub I just replaced Inner and Outer Bearings and Seals while replacing the rear brakes. I drove about 15-20 miles and noticed something was wrong. Took the right rear Drum off and the bearing blew apart! Immediately checked the oil and it was fine less than 1/4" below the fill plug. After looking real close I noticed the bottom of the fill plug is just about dead even with the bottom of the axles! Should I park it facing downwards on a hill to fill it? Or on a slant with the left side lower? I was very shocked that the GL-5 80w-90 Gear Oil was not all over the place.

08-22-2016, 07:30 PM	#3
snj8198 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Star Valley, WY Posts: 2,038	Re: Dana 60 in 1970 GMC C2500 I jack each side up one at a time to allow oil to drain down the axle tubes to the bearings then check again. As Kw said, over filling a bit wont hurt. __________________ Steve 1971 GMC Longbox. Full Roller Stroker 489 w/ FiTech EFI, Chris Straub Cam/NV4500/205/D60/14B w. Grizzly Locker and 4.11's. 2" Lift on 33's

08-22-2016, 09:01 PM	#4
davepl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 6,332	Re: Dana 60 in 1970 GMC C2500 I have the same truck and same axle. In my case the area where the bearing sits was worn and they had to machine and sleeve it. Otherwise it was going to spin in place! __________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible

08-22-2016, 09:58 PM	#5
jerry moss Born Psycho Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: brentwood,cal,usa Posts: 4,946	Re: Dana 60 in 1970 GMC C2500 always put grease on the bearings, it's cheap insurance. it take a while for the gear oil to work it's way down the shafts to get to the bearings. at work i pack them just like i would front wheel bearings and i've never had a bearing failure in 30+ years doing it that way. __________________ jerry moss 72 cheyenne super K20- tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,tow hooks,bumper guards,toolbox,aux. fuel tank,posi front and rear,plus other goodies!!! SOLD 69 suburban K20-tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,4 inch all spring lift,4 speed, 14 bolt full floater, dana 44 HD,warn winch,posi front and rear,tow hooks,plus other goodies. 73/80 chevy/gmc K20 SB400,turbo 400,205,tilt,a-c,gas hog. 77 K/5 cheyenne blazer-daily driver/beater. SON HAS IT NOW BRENTWOOD,CALIFORNIA

08-23-2016, 02:33 AM	#6
SonomaComa Registered User Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Sonoma County California Posts: 83	Re: Dana 60 in 1970 GMC C2500 Right on you guys. Thanks for the info. Wish I would've known sooner. My Dana 60 axle is now a goner. The right rear inner bearing got so hot it turned blue and welded itself to the axle housing. I used a cut off wheel to score it and an air hammer to remove it. After about 25 minutes it came off and it gouged about half way through the axle housing. Those Timkin Bearings and Races were $163.00 per side not counting the $27.00 Seals!

08-22-2016, 07:13 PM	#2
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,650	Re: Dana 60 in 1970 GMC C2500 When servicing the bearings spreading some grease on the bearings will help for a while before the 90wt can makes its way down the tube. If the tubes got drained out while performing this type of work, you should over fill by at least a quart...then drive it for a short distance, then recheck to see if it is still where it should be

08-23-2016, 11:04 AM	#8
Bigdav160 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Klein Texas Posts: 3,852	Re: Dana 60 in 1970 GMC C2500 Even the factory service manual says to pack the bearings with "high melting point grease". I don't think they were meant to be oil bath bearings. __________________ My Classics: '72 K20 Suburban + '65 Dodge Town Wagon '72 Corvette Roadster +'67 Corvette Roadster '73 Z-28 Camaro '63 Ford SWB Uni Pickup '50 Ford Coupe

08-23-2016, 12:02 PM	#9
LONGHORN1962 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Weatherford Oklahoma Posts: 53	Re: Dana 60 in 1970 GMC C2500 Sonoma, there are people who can cut off the old spindle and press in a new replacement. We have had it done in the shop where I work.

08-23-2016, 12:09 PM	#10
SonomaComa Registered User Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Sonoma County California Posts: 83	Re: Dana 60 in 1970 GMC C2500 What's the best type of grease to use with GL-5 80w-90?

08-23-2016, 12:10 PM	#11
Ol Blue K20 Proprietor of Dale's Corner Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Vacaville , CA Posts: 16,245	Re: Dana 60 in 1970 GMC C2500 Pick and Pull in Fairfield has a 70 with a Dana 60. I saw it on Sunday. __________________ "Some Days Chickens And Some Days Feathers" Dale XNGH ECV Sam Brannan 1004 R.I.P. 67ChevyRedneck R.I.P. Grumpy Old Man R.I.P. FleetsidePaul

08-23-2016, 12:31 PM	#13
LONGHORN1962 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Weatherford Oklahoma Posts: 53	Re: Dana 60 in 1970 GMC C2500 Basically it's just like a new one. The original spindles are pressed in, then welded. A 14 bolt gm. axle will bolt in with minor mods to the spring perches. Usually found in 1973-1987 3/4 tons.

11-17-2016, 01:35 PM	#15
SonomaComa Registered User Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Sonoma County California Posts: 83	Re: Dana 60 in 1970 GMC C2500 Well according to this Dana 60 Manual I found it says... "Lubricate only with clean axle lubricant of the same type used in the axle sump. Do not pack the bearings with grease before installation. Grease will prevent the proper circulation of axle lubricant and may cause wheel seal failure." http://media.spicerparts.com/cfs/fil...o/xmzz0551.pdf



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