02-17-2021, 11:28 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Columbia,Tn
Posts: 28
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Eaton HO swap
I have a 1971 C 20 with the Eaton rear end.Transmission is 4 speed.I would like to take the Eaton out and replace it with something with a higher gear ratio.Just wondering what axle swaps others have done.TIA.
Last edited by Bobbysgmc; 02-18-2021 at 10:19 AM. Reason: trailing arms with coil suspension |
02-17-2021, 11:38 PM | #2 |
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Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Reno
Posts: 58
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Re: Eaton HO swap
A lot of people go the dana 60 or gm 14 bolt route. You could also put a 12 bolt 1/2 ton or ford 9" if you wanted to. Personally, I am thinking about the 14 bolt route in my '72 k20. I really like the old eaton, but mine is an open diff and I would like a locker.
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02-18-2021, 01:27 AM | #3 |
The Older Generation
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Montezuma, Iowa
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Re: Eaton HO swap
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I am in the process of getting a Dana 60 3.54 rear ready to install in my '68 C-20. I am installing the new brakes on it at this time. Do you have rear leaf springs or coils? LockDoc
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02-18-2021, 02:08 AM | #4 |
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Re: Eaton HO swap
I would recommend a 14 bolt, better parts availability as far as the brakes go. (Dana 60 drum parts are beginning to get tough to find). Stronger diff than the 60. A little more work to make it fit. Available ratios: 3.42--3.73--4.10--4.56--4.88--5.13--5.38. 3.21s IF you can find a good set.
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02-19-2021, 11:40 AM | #5 |
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Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Vacaville , CA
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Re: Eaton HO swap
I just swapped my Eaton out. I replaced it with a dana 60.
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02-19-2021, 12:06 PM | #6 |
All about them K’s
Join Date: Jun 2014
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Re: Eaton HO swap
I’m a big fan of the original eaton and the 14 bolt. Both are very strong. The 14 bolt is what I would go to if you swap to something else. One thing I would do is swap to the 01+ 2 piece hub seals, they are a much better design than the originals.
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02-20-2021, 10:41 AM | #7 |
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Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Austin, TX, USA
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Re: Eaton HO swap
Like other things, it depends on your skill set and tools. If it is a coil spring truck and you can't fab brackets and mounts, the Dana 60 is the choice. 3.54 gears were common in big block trucks and would be 15% less gear than the 4.10 eaton and 30% less than 4.56. If you have one that has higher numeric gears for a donor, 3.30 aftermarket gears are available.
If you have a leaf spring truck it is easier but still nothing bolts in. The 14 bolt is the easiest donor to find if you can fab the mounts, coil or leaf.
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