How to affix a 3.5" thick axle tube to trailing arms?

[kingcrunch]

Hi there,

for my project i want to use Dana 60 HD. Because it comes with massive 14" rotors (fronts going to be 15" rotors).

The downfall of this axle is its 3.5" axle tube diameter.

Has anybody affixed an axle tube this thick to C10/C20 trailing arms?

I am in contact with CaptainFab for 3.5" perches but i wonder if there is info on how to relocate the bolt holes in the trailing arm (each 1/4", 1/2" in total).

I read that some people had good results with grinding relief "channels" into the axle tube, but i don't want to go this route for a race truck.

Thank you!

Alex

[Tom Vogel]

I have 3 1/2" tubes on mine and I dont remember having to do anything to the trailing arms or the axle tubes, just bolted right up. I did use slightly longer U-bolts, but thats it.

[snipescastle2]

I know that most of the vendors out there offer a rear end weld up kit with new housing perches and track bar mount, this will probably hook you up.
Ben

[kingcrunch]

Originally Posted by snipescastle2

I know that most of the vendors out there offer a rear end weld up kit with new housing perches and track bar mount, this will probably hook you up.
Ben

Ben,
i was not able to find parts for 3.5" axle tubes anywhere else.
What i did find is perches for stock Chevy 12-bolt axles (which has a 3" tube) and lots of universal stuff that is not made for the angle of the trailing arms.

CaptainFab will hook me up with custom made perches.
I made a quick CAD sketch telling me i need 4.125" u-bolts, which fortunately are commonly available.


The bolt hole spacing on the stock trailing arms is 4.3", i wondered if i could convince (i don't want to force stuff) a 5.125" u-bolt (assuming 1/2" bolt diameter) to go in there.

The track bar mount will be partially homegrown, partially No-Limit.

FYI:
A "regular" D60 has 3.125" tubes, the D60 "Super" has 3.75" and my D60 "HD" is 3.5" in diameter. A 14-bolt is 3.375".

[snipescastle2]

Most tractor trailer repair facilities have CNC u bolt benders, I had one of the shops in K.C. Close to my work bend me up some new ones. I'm pretty sure they are bigger than 3/4" wire diameter though. Glad CaptFab is hooking you up, I got my rear disc brake brackets from him.
Have a good one!
Ben