71 K20, Eaton H052

[Jack15T]

Hi folks, My 71 K20 has an open Eaton H052 rear Dif. I would like to convert it to a locker, either manual or automatic. I called Eaton and they said unofficialy I could use a Detroit Locker number 225S10. I need 30 spline axles for the Detroit. Has anybody done this conversion and know of an axle that would work? The axle shaft diameter is 1.5 in. I don't have a length. Any and all suggestions are welcome. Thanks, Jack

[mongocanfly]

personally..id just get a locking 14b and swap it out...not sure on the widths though..but if possible itll be much cheaper than trying to do anything with the ho52

[Jack15T]

Thanks Greg, I'll look into it.

[sweetk30]

been told and read the detroit form a 14ff will swap inside the open carrier in place of the spider gears . then the 14ff shafts the correct length will swap over also . then you have a eaton ho with a locker .

[Jack15T]

That would be pretty nice. Thanks for the tip.

[sweetk30]

i might be a bit off on info for the 52 .

but here is a MEGA thread on ho72 stuff https://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/chev...aton-h072.html

[Jack15T]

Thanks, I'll take a look at it.

[Mike C]

The HO52/72 is the grandfather of the 14 bolt. You can use the 14 bolt detroit locker along with the shafts from the 14 bolt to make that work.

Measure your original axles and find a set from a 14FF that are the same length.

[Jack15T]

Thanks Mike, I'll take a look at it. Jack

[dozerbill72]

I have used a 14 bolt locker and axles twice in Eatons. The 14's that I used I had to cut about a quarter of an inch off both axle shafts to get them to seat at the hubs. I think they where 1 ton single wheel versions but don't know for sure. It's not cheap, but it is a lot easier than trying to find a factory locker for an Eaton thats not cheap either if you find one.

[Jack15T]

Thanks Dozer, That would work.

[Short 3/4]

Have you tried looking for used? Lots of C 20 and 30's came with NoSpin option, which is what factory called a Detroit Locker. Also Eaton sold them to the aftermarket as a Detroit until the mid 80's (I think I bought one of the last new ones in about '85). My point being there are a lot of them out there, and is an easy conversion with the drop out carrier. Even if you reuse your R&P would still be easier than messing with custom axles I would think. FYI this is the only traction upgrade ever made for these axles. For some reason the factory never offered them on the K trucks, But I can tell you they are a great addition to one.
For what its worth, while you have that pumpkin out you can weld a pipe bung in the housing for a drain plug. The one thing Chevy forgot. With the occasional oil change, that Eaton will outlive you.
Good luck with the project however you go.
Tom

[Mike C]

You can buy aftermarket cut to fit axles if you don't have any luck finding a donor. They come with a LONG spline so you can get it down for custom/special applications.

[Jack15T]

Hey Guys , thanks for all the info. I did find a brand new locker NOS that was the original Detroit locker for the HO52 rear axle. It's complete except for one spring. The locker number is 2426042. Anybody have a spring that would fit? Dimensions are: Spring wire is .150, ID is 1.950, OD is 2.250, Height is 2.400 Thanks, Jack

[Jack15T]

Hey Guys, It turns out that the number (2426042) is actually the number on the tag attached to the remaining spring in the Detroit Locker assembly. I still need the spring for the other side to make this locker work. I haven’t had any luck with Eaton or the usual suspects. Does anybody have a spring from that generation or know what the part number was for the entire locker assembly? Thanks, Jack

[Short 3/4]

Should be a model KS-10.
Good Luck with the search,
Tom

[sweetk30]

what about a set of springs off a 14ff detroit ?

[Jack15T]

Thanks for the Part number Tom. That's a big help. SweetK30-Good thought on trying springs from a 14FF. I'll look into it. Jack