Anybody know of a non Dodge rear axle swap into first gens?

[MidwestMotorman]

I just thought that I would float this question out there. I know that lots of people are swapping things into there first gens, and I was curious if anyone has attempted a non Dodge rear axle swap. I have a few 14 bolt chevy/GM rears (truck and van) with different gearings (3. 23, 4. 10, 4. 56) and a Dana 60 ford with 4. 56 limited slip.



Has anyone done one of these swaps and would know which rears and years are a good/better match? I know that brake cables and lines would have to be taken care of, but I consider that a small task because a torch, a welder, and critical measurements are not needed.



With all the talk of axles and brakes lately, maybe something of interest will arise. Happy April Fools Day!

 

[1stgen4evr]

non Dodge rear axle swap

Don't discount the problems with the emergency cables. They might well require a torch, etc. There are enough Dodges in the salvage yards to stay with Dodge. I have done some swaps and know that the bearings in the Chevys are higher capacity than other designs. The spring pads are specific to manufacturer and seldom will interchange. But it can certainly be done. The business with the hub centric and lug centric can be worked out. I would think it comes down to cost of one vs the other to the individual. If you already have the one you want to use and would have to buy something different, that lends $$$ toward the conversion.



Ya' pays your money and ya' takes your choice.



1stgen4evr

James

 

[bgilbert]

Some say the 14 bolt is as strong as the Dana 70. Some have done the swap. The 60 ford has a driverside drop doesnt it? Would need a ford 205. CTD, 4. 56's and 727... hmm not a good combo for on highway use. . Ok wait a minute, you were talking a 60 ford rear. oh ok. Wouldnt go there, the Cummins would smoke it in not too long, many guys that have done the cummins crew cab conversions have tried out the factory 60 rear to save cash and it didnt last long. Bill

 

[MidwestMotorman]

I was just curious, I don't have a need to swap any at the moment. Yes, parking brake cables can be an interesting challlenge interchange to overcome.



I see lots of damaged Danas. I have not seen any GM 14 bolt rear end failures related to the carrier assembly or pinion bearings. I guess GM would have to invent an engine that actually develops torque before that would happen...

 

[TBeckman]

My vote would be for a 14 bolt. Seeing how you have a few of em, I'm assuming you know that three are three different sizes, atleast that I can think of.



Van-Should have the same width, wms to wms as your front 60. Assuming 4x4.



Truck, two versions dually, real narrow, better swap for a jeep, then there is the axle off a the srw 1ton or a heavy 3/4, something like 3" narrower than the van/front axle.



Only problem is the spring perches. Not that big of a deal, a little grinding, some box tube(or the old perches if they survive), and you have the perches right where you want them.



If you're really motivated the disc brake conversion is a piece of cake for these. Those eldorado calipers can be the deal breaker if you want an ebrake. I rigged the ebrake setup from a 1 ton gm to my k5, supposed to be some big deal, I didn't see it as so. Not sure about the dodge though, can't see it being that hard.



I have seen these things beaten like no other wheeling. 44" tires big blocks, in low, no problem.



It's kinda hard to say no to a 1 ton axle that you can pick up for under $100.

 

[tugboatphil]

Hey, Nathan!



Nice looking rig. How about posting a pic of your 67 in your gallery. Is that one of those real tall hood models?

 

[jlast]

14 bolt FF without a question would be placed in my truck, but i have to change gears as a 3. 54 is not available in a 14 b.



That would be the only major problem, but you having a 2wd not a problem at all.



Later 14 bolts is suppose to be stronger? the ones with extra ribs on the thirds.



cab n chassis 63"

truck 68"

van and drw i am unsure



not to get to far off topic, i am looking for some gears 4. 56 or 5. 13 good used is perfect. 14 b and a dana 60 standard rotation. 35 spline dana 70 axleshafts from a drw application.

 

[MidwestMotorman]

Well, I will see what kind of pics I can get into the gallery of some old rides. I have the 67 D300, a 67 LCF850, a 69 D100, a 68 D100, and some others. At this moment, I am posting from the local hospital as the wife is here getting ready to give birth to child #4. I have been here most of the day and will have a few more hours to await the arrival of the newest Bush family member.

 

[MMiller]

I swapped a 14 bolt in my 75. Had to cut the perches off and re weld. I also installed disc brakes. I replace the 60 rear that snapped axel shafts at will. This is with my 440. I have not had any problems with the 14 axles yet. I don't think I would switch out the 70 to got to a 14 bolt. I would go to a dana 80. Everything I know about 14/dana 70's are they are pretty much equal in strength. Its cheaper to get a detroit locker for a 14bolt, and easier to install.



It was a bunch of work to get the 14 bolt under my old truck. If I was to do it over again I might think twice. You also have to keep in mind that the perches have to be located perfect, so the thruck doesn't dog track. BUT the 14 bolt was FREE. Can't say no to that.



I agree the 60 rear would not last. I couldn't keep mine alive with my 440, let alone the torque of the cummins.



Anybody need a detroit locker for a 60 rear? Trade for a detroit for a 14 bolt??



Michael