closed knuckle 4x4 to open knuckle upgrade donor list needed - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

MJ1967 · 11-30-2015, 10:02 PM

Hi All,
Its been a while since i posted but i am looking to upgrade the front and rear differentials in my 68 3/4 ton and i need to know what donor years will work with minimal aggravation. However I'm sure this has been asked many times before.
I have located a 1985 with both diffs intact and once i hear confirmation it will work i will pull them from the yard.
Thanks in advance.
Mark in Pa.

BCOWANWHEELS · 11-30-2015, 10:05 PM

1973 to 1987 gm axles. I,d suggest a dana 60 front kingpin ad a d60 or d70 (or 14 bolt rear)

**jerry moss** · 11-30-2015, 11:35 PM

any 73-87 truck, 73-91 suburban front diff is a direct bolt in. you'll have to change your steering box, brake lines, master cylinder, proportioning valve. i'd recommend using a 69-72 steering column since it has a flex joint in the lower shaft and several companies sell the kit to install a later steering box. if you're going to swap the rear diff also you may have to move the spring perches and one shock mount. it sounds more complicated than it is. i've done a few and it can be easily done in a weekend if you have all the parts on hand when you start.. if you have any questions, shoot me a call after 4:30 calif time (925)642-5931

BCOWANWHEELS · 12-01-2015, 03:31 AM

also a dana 44 h/d is a nice front axle. it has disc brakes too.

MJ1967 · 12-01-2015, 09:30 PM

Thanks for the confirmation and help i am going to the yard this weekend to look around.

BCOWANWHEELS · 12-01-2015, 09:39 PM

also if you want 6 lug you can get a set or 10 bolt or 10/12 bolt 1/2 ton axles.

Vintage Windmills · 12-01-2015, 10:24 PM

I'd keep the eaton rear that your truck came with unless it needs brakes or isn't the ratio you want. They are very strong and yet not very heavy.

11-30-2015, 10:02 PM	#1
MJ1967 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Reading Penna. Posts: 4	closed knuckle 4x4 to open knuckle upgrade donor list needed Hi All, Its been a while since i posted but i am looking to upgrade the front and rear differentials in my 68 3/4 ton and i need to know what donor years will work with minimal aggravation. However I'm sure this has been asked many times before. I have located a 1985 with both diffs intact and once i hear confirmation it will work i will pull them from the yard. Thanks in advance. Mark in Pa.

11-30-2015, 10:05 PM	#2
BCOWANWHEELS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: KINGSPORT,TN. Posts: 3,035	Re: closed knuckle 4x4 to open knuckle upgrade donor list needed 1973 to 1987 gm axles. I,d suggest a dana 60 front kingpin ad a d60 or d70 (or 14 bolt rear) __________________ I BELIEVE IN JOHN 3:16

11-30-2015, 11:35 PM	#3
jerry moss Born Psycho Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: brentwood,cal,usa Posts: 4,936	Re: closed knuckle 4x4 to open knuckle upgrade donor list needed any 73-87 truck, 73-91 suburban front diff is a direct bolt in. you'll have to change your steering box, brake lines, master cylinder, proportioning valve. i'd recommend using a 69-72 steering column since it has a flex joint in the lower shaft and several companies sell the kit to install a later steering box. if you're going to swap the rear diff also you may have to move the spring perches and one shock mount. it sounds more complicated than it is. i've done a few and it can be easily done in a weekend if you have all the parts on hand when you start.. if you have any questions, shoot me a call after 4:30 calif time (925)642-5931 __________________ jerry moss 72 cheyenne super K20- tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,tow hooks,bumper guards,toolbox,aux. fuel tank,posi front and rear,plus other goodies!!! SOLD 69 suburban K20-tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,4 inch all spring lift,4 speed, 14 bolt full floater, dana 44 HD,warn winch,posi front and rear,tow hooks,plus other goodies. 73/80 chevy/gmc K20 SB400,turbo 400,205,tilt,a-c,gas hog. 77 K/5 cheyenne blazer-daily driver/beater. SON HAS IT NOW BRENTWOOD,CALIFORNIA

12-01-2015, 03:31 AM	#4
BCOWANWHEELS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: KINGSPORT,TN. Posts: 3,035	Re: closed knuckle 4x4 to open knuckle upgrade donor list needed also a dana 44 h/d is a nice front axle. it has disc brakes too. __________________ I BELIEVE IN JOHN 3:16

12-01-2015, 09:30 PM	#5
MJ1967 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Reading Penna. Posts: 4	Re: closed knuckle 4x4 to open knuckle upgrade donor list needed Thanks for the confirmation and help i am going to the yard this weekend to look around.

12-01-2015, 09:39 PM	#6
BCOWANWHEELS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: KINGSPORT,TN. Posts: 3,035	Re: closed knuckle 4x4 to open knuckle upgrade donor list needed also if you want 6 lug you can get a set or 10 bolt or 10/12 bolt 1/2 ton axles. __________________ I BELIEVE IN JOHN 3:16

12-01-2015, 10:24 PM	#7
Vintage Windmills Vintage 4x4s Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Prior Lake, MN Posts: 4,305	Re: closed knuckle 4x4 to open knuckle upgrade donor list needed I'd keep the eaton rear that your truck came with unless it needs brakes or isn't the ratio you want. They are very strong and yet not very heavy. __________________ 67 GMC K1500 Custom- 305V6 SM420, PTO, Ram Assist, yellow (the outcast) (project period correct upgrades) 67 GMC C2500 351V6 TH400, AC, PS, PB (can't decide what to do with. Update, decided to keep and will restore ) 86 CHV K30 502 th400, apple red NEW 71 CHV K20 350 SM465, ochre (saved work truck) 71 CHV K20 292 SM465, white, tach, PTO, (future project) 72 CHV K20 350 350th, medium blue (project stocker) 01 CHV K2500hd crew, indigo blue ^3 dont run and the others don't see winter either '86 K30 Cummins "Fireside" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=649649 '71 K20 "get driveable" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590642 '72 K20 Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=493477&page=6



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