Question regarding rear end swap

[rustbelt]

The original Eaton HO52 on my 61' Stepside C20 2wd wants out of her misery. I've got a line on a 1972 14 bolt 8 lug 3/4 ton 2wd. Any friendly voice out there happen to know if it might be a fit? Thanks in advance.

[Captainfab]

The 14 bolt didn't come out until '73. If it is indeed a '72 model differential it is likely a Dana 60. In which case it will be mostly a bolt in except for the trailing arm mounts. If it is a 14 bolt, you will have to weld on the trailing arm mounts plus a panhard bar mount. For the panhard bar mount, I would just cut the one off of your Eaton.

[rustbelt]

Thank you Sir for the info. It sounds like this could be a replacement for my Eaton. Any advice you or anyone else reading might have on what to look for or look out for when deciding on a purchase of a older rear end or is it a gamble, hoping everything works once it's in?

[Captainfab]

Yes, many guys go with the 14 bolt since they are easily found and parts are plentiful. It is true that buying a used differential can be somewhat of a gamble. One thing you can do to get a good idea of the possible overall coindition is to physically check the backlash of the ring and pinion and the slop in the spider gears. This can be done by turning the pinion yoke by hand and see how far it turns before the axles turn.

Taks a look at this thread:

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=624445