Dana 44 install in 1963 c-10

[1963c-10]

I know that alot of the GMC's had them. I have located nice Dana 44 full posi locally for $200. It came out of a jeep j-truck w/coil springs and drum brakes. My question is how hard of an install is it to swap over. I haven't had any experience w/swapping rear diffs. Is the Dana 44 a better diff than the factory 12 bolt I currently have. Either way, the drivetrain will be 427BBC w/Borg Warner HD 3sp T-16 manual. Also...would it be easier to install a locker in the 12 bolt than swap rearends?

[1963c-10]

Also...would there be any benefit to going to a Dana 60? I want to retain the 6 lug pattern either way.

[64fleetside]

The dana 60 is bulletproof, but its much easier to locker the 12 bolt.

[1963c-10]

Thanks for the response. The stock 12 bolt in my truck has 74,000 miles. 3.90 gear and I'd like to keep it if its easier to put a locker in. The cost isn't my biggest concern as is alot of fab work to make the Dana 44 work w/what I have.

[64fleetside]

With low miles like that it should be in good cond. Get an Eaton locker and go to town.

[1963c-10]

Problem is that I dont know of a locker for the 17 spline axles that the 63's had. In 65 they went to a 30 spline which is far more common. So I'd be looking at axles, gears and a locker.....the D44 almost sounds easier w/the fab work to make it fit.

[1963c-10]

I have located a remanufactured 12 bolt 63-64 posi unit for $400. That may be the way to go. They are really hard to find and unless someone can tell me different I dont think they are currently being made.

[64fleetside]

I sold a used 65-up Eaton 15 yrs ago for $250-that reman for 400 sounds good to me.

[1963c-10]

Yeah, but the thing is the 63-64's are scarse, and its just been rebuilt. I think this is my best option. Id still like some input on the chevy 12 vs the D44

[64fleetside]

That's what i was getting at, if a 65-up used was worth $250 yrs ago a reman 63-4 for $400 is great in my book. Posi unit for D44 is common also, was used in many Jeeps and Scouts for yrs.

[1963c-10]

Oh, gotcha....we're both on the same page. Im a little dense sometimes, but no blonde hair...haha.

[gimmy 64]

i think the dana is a better rearend because the rockcrawler and offroad guys still use them. i have a dana 44 with posi in my 64 gmc stock. all you need to do is add the spring perches.

[Captainfab]

If you're going with a big block I would stick with the 12 bolt. I don't think you will gain anything by changing to a Dana 44. They both have their limits, but I know that the 12 bolt will take a fair amount of abuse. Did you find that 17 spline posi unit on ebay being sold by Bet Performance? Make sure it is the correct series for the gear you want to run. Have you checked the wheel bearing surfaces on your existing axles? If they are worn too much and need replaced, you may as well upgrade to 30 spline aftermarket axles. JMHO

[1963c-10]

Yes, its the unit from Bet Performance. Is there any advantage to just converting to the 30 spline axles and locker over the 17 spline axles?

[Mack B]

The 30 spine axles will be considered stronger than 17 spline, not a bad idea behind a big block
Posted via Mobile Device

[Captainfab]

I agree.

Originally Posted by Mack B

The 30 spine axles will be considered stronger than 17 spline, not a bad idea behind a big block
Posted via Mobile Device

[1963c-10]

Ok, so 30 spline axles it is then. At least it makes getting a full posi under the truck easier than the 17 spline axles.

[fleetsidelarry]

just to add to what was said above, you'd be hard-pressed to find original axles without wear at the bearing surface, because the axle surface is the inner race (if I'm not mistaken)

[1963c-10]

So 2 new 30 spline axles, new carrier gears for 30 spline and a mini spool? That sound about right? Is there a certain length axle I need to look for?

[fleetsidelarry]

yes, I just don't remember off the top of my head. I've seen the measurements on this forum. do a search (hint: use the advanced search feature) or maybe look in FAQs. if I get a chance before someone beats me to it, I'll also look

sometime in 1970 they got longer by 3/4".

your axle supplier should know based on your housing.

[fleetsidelarry]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...95&postcount=5

[1963c-10]

Moser shows 30.5"....this sound right?

[fleetsidelarry]

that's what captainfab's post (I linked above) says

[61K10]

No mini spool. It's not for the street.

[1963c-10]

So just get the full time posi unit? This is the eaton unit im looking at through Jegs #362-19512-010