Rear axle woes :( - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

crazymason · 09-22-2011, 08:04 PM

The posi Dana 60 in my 71 C20 has pretty much bit the dust. The housing is messed up due to play in the gears. Took it to a shop and they said it is beyond economical repair. The problem I have been having is I cannot find another Dana 60 anywhere.

So I figure now is a time to look at some other options. I would love to have an axle that is posi or locking diff and perhaps rear discs. Anyone have any insight as to other economical options for a rear axle for my truck? Would an axle out of a newer GMC fit without too many problems?

**Clyde65** · 09-22-2011, 09:19 PM

I have heard 14 bolts are the way to go. maybe someone with actual knowledge will chime in and assist ya.

crazymason · 09-27-2011, 10:32 AM

Thanks Clyde, I have also heard about the 14 bolt axles being a dime a dozen and good axles. I'm going to be on the hunt this week for an axle. Any other options or is the 14 bolt the best route?

fastwillie 696969 · 09-27-2011, 01:26 PM

i would check with junkyards for old rv's alot of these rv had dana 60 rear ends ,just sayin

pumpkin · 09-27-2011, 04:05 PM

Depending on what gear ratio you want, My choice is the eaton, with a detroit locker.

crazymason · 09-27-2011, 08:08 PM

I think I will stick with the stock 4:10 gear ratio
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**special-K** · 09-28-2011, 06:20 AM

Is your truck leaf spring? 14-bolts only require the shock mounts and spring pads relocated. Is you posi wiped or just the ring & pinion due to worn carrier and pinion bearings?

crazymason · 10-05-2011, 09:26 PM

Been pretty busy, haven't kept up with the thread and still haven't found an axle yet.

Specialk, yes, my truck is leaf spring and the "banjo housing" has wear. My guess is the previous owner did some work on the gears and messed something up, the housing has abnormal wear and is now pretty much useless. I am kind of leaning towards an axle out of a 2000 and up 3/4 ton truck, especially if I have to relocate spring pads and shock mounts anyways. Disc brakes and a locking diff sound pretty good to me. Has anyone done this swap?

Vintage Windmills · 10-05-2011, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazymason

Been pretty busy, haven't kept up with the thread and still haven't found an axle yet.

Specialk, yes, my truck is leaf spring and the "banjo housing" has wear. My guess is the previous owner did some work on the gears and messed something up, the housing has abnormal wear and is now pretty much useless. I am kind of leaning towards an axle out of a 2000 and up 3/4 ton truck, especially if I have to relocate spring pads and shock mounts anyways. Disc brakes and a locking diff sound pretty good to me. Has anyone done this swap?

Not all 2000+ have posi/lockers and discs so check it out before you buy. I have both Dana 60 equipped and a 2001 2500HD 6.0 truck if you need measurements. The 2500HD has a heavier duty rear than the D60. The Dmax 2500HD's have an even heavier duty version!

Also, heard a rumor that kits may become available for converting Eaton's to discs.

crazymason · 10-05-2011, 11:16 PM

If you have measurements from your 01, Vintage Windmills, that would for sure be helpful. I believe the D60 is 65 inches between where the wheels mount. What is a reasonable price to pay for a newer axle with locker/discs?

05crewcab · 10-07-2011, 01:23 AM

It's not a newer axle, but here is a D60 in Minneapolis for a price compare:

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ra...595894113.html

was looking on Craig's today and saw this ad. it is actually the rear from my parts truck I sold about a month ago....guess the guy I sold it to has been busy. if I had time i would have torn the truck down...kinda regretting it right now...

anyway, D60's are out there...just keep lookin. Good luck!

JCD · 10-07-2011, 04:01 AM

If you feel like a drive down the coast.. there's a few in the local Craigslist.. one's been on there forever..

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst...604260306.html

http://ventura.craigslist.org/pts/2602856043.html

rollinhard · 10-07-2011, 01:05 PM

Hey I've got a dana 60 out of a 71 gmc c-20 you can have just come pick it up. I'm up in Quesnel it's yours if you want it
Posted via Mobile Device

crazymason · 10-07-2011, 02:23 PM

Rollinhard! You just made my day, I'll send you a message after work!
Posted via Mobile Device

rollinhard · 10-07-2011, 05:28 PM

No problem. I will go look at it tomorrow and confirm weather it is a posi and what gear ratio it is
Posted via Mobile Device

09-22-2011, 08:04 PM	#1
crazymason Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Vancouver Island/Calgary Posts: 22	Rear axle woes :( The posi Dana 60 in my 71 C20 has pretty much bit the dust. The housing is messed up due to play in the gears. Took it to a shop and they said it is beyond economical repair. The problem I have been having is I cannot find another Dana 60 anywhere. So I figure now is a time to look at some other options. I would love to have an axle that is posi or locking diff and perhaps rear discs. Anyone have any insight as to other economical options for a rear axle for my truck? Would an axle out of a newer GMC fit without too many problems?

09-22-2011, 09:19 PM	#2
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,546	Re: Rear axle woes :( I have heard 14 bolts are the way to go. maybe someone with actual knowledge will chime in and assist ya. __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

09-27-2011, 10:32 AM	#3
crazymason Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Vancouver Island/Calgary Posts: 22	Re: Rear axle woes :( Thanks Clyde, I have also heard about the 14 bolt axles being a dime a dozen and good axles. I'm going to be on the hunt this week for an axle. Any other options or is the 14 bolt the best route?

09-27-2011, 01:26 PM	#4
fastwillie 696969 ~Rest In Peace~ Join Date: May 2005 Location: CALIFORNIA NOR CAL Posts: 9,707	Re: Rear axle woes :( i would check with junkyards for old rv's alot of these rv had dana 60 rear ends ,just sayin __________________ is it fast ? it has a lighting bolt donut? B___H please, I can remove 90% of your so called "beauty" with a kleenex

09-27-2011, 04:05 PM	#5
pumpkin Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: East Sooke B.C. Canada Posts: 543	Re: Rear axle woes :( Depending on what gear ratio you want, My choice is the eaton, with a detroit locker.

09-27-2011, 08:08 PM	#6
crazymason Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Vancouver Island/Calgary Posts: 22	Re: Rear axle woes :( I think I will stick with the stock 4:10 gear ratio Posted via Mobile Device

09-28-2011, 06:20 AM	#7
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Rear axle woes :( Is your truck leaf spring? 14-bolts only require the shock mounts and spring pads relocated. Is you posi wiped or just the ring & pinion due to worn carrier and pinion bearings? __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

10-05-2011, 09:26 PM	#8
crazymason Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Vancouver Island/Calgary Posts: 22	Re: Rear axle woes :( Been pretty busy, haven't kept up with the thread and still haven't found an axle yet. Specialk, yes, my truck is leaf spring and the "banjo housing" has wear. My guess is the previous owner did some work on the gears and messed something up, the housing has abnormal wear and is now pretty much useless. I am kind of leaning towards an axle out of a 2000 and up 3/4 ton truck, especially if I have to relocate spring pads and shock mounts anyways. Disc brakes and a locking diff sound pretty good to me. Has anyone done this swap?

10-05-2011, 11:16 PM	#10
crazymason Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Vancouver Island/Calgary Posts: 22	Re: Rear axle woes :( If you have measurements from your 01, Vintage Windmills, that would for sure be helpful. I believe the D60 is 65 inches between where the wheels mount. What is a reasonable price to pay for a newer axle with locker/discs? __________________ 71 GMC C2500 350 all original, 80k miles, work truck 71 Chev C20 350 currently needs rear axle, play truck Both baby blue from the factory

10-07-2011, 01:23 AM	#11
05crewcab Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Minnetonka, MN Posts: 409	Re: Rear axle woes :( It's not a newer axle, but here is a D60 in Minneapolis for a price compare: http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ra...595894113.html was looking on Craig's today and saw this ad. it is actually the rear from my parts truck I sold about a month ago....guess the guy I sold it to has been busy. if I had time i would have torn the truck down...kinda regretting it right now... anyway, D60's are out there...just keep lookin. Good luck! __________________ 1971 C-20 350/350

10-07-2011, 04:01 AM	#12
JCD Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Los Angeles California Posts: 352	Re: Rear axle woes :( If you feel like a drive down the coast.. there's a few in the local Craigslist.. one's been on there forever.. http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst...604260306.html http://ventura.craigslist.org/pts/2602856043.html __________________ 1972 Custom Deluxe Highlander C20 1971 Javelin SST New Project 1971 Demon 340 1969 SS El Camino 1968 SS RS 396 Camaro 1967 Barracuda Formula S 1965 140/4sp Corvair Monza Convertible Sorry, but I don't do Fords.

10-07-2011, 01:05 PM	#13
rollinhard Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: British Columbia Posts: 192	Re: Rear axle woes :( Hey I've got a dana 60 out of a 71 gmc c-20 you can have just come pick it up. I'm up in Quesnel it's yours if you want it Posted via Mobile Device __________________ If you can't impress them with your inteligence, dazzle'm with your stupidity 1969 GMC lwb 2wheel drive can you say big stroker motor to come hehe

10-07-2011, 02:23 PM	#14
crazymason Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Vancouver Island/Calgary Posts: 22	Re: Rear axle woes :( Rollinhard! You just made my day, I'll send you a message after work! Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 71 GMC C2500 350 all original, 80k miles, work truck 71 Chev C20 350 currently needs rear axle, play truck Both baby blue from the factory

10-07-2011, 05:28 PM	#15
rollinhard Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: British Columbia Posts: 192	Re: Rear axle woes :( No problem. I will go look at it tomorrow and confirm weather it is a posi and what gear ratio it is Posted via Mobile Device __________________ If you can't impress them with your inteligence, dazzle'm with your stupidity 1969 GMC lwb 2wheel drive can you say big stroker motor to come hehe



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