swap a diff to get disc and locker
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: NE OK
swap a diff to get disc and locker
i am reworking a nice 77 F250 (351M) (8 lug pattern) that sits on a '1ton chassis & springs' (so i am told) and i read somewhere that if i located one of the Eaton locker rear diff from a Chevy 2500 HD (with the right gears) i would be ahead to swap out. is this as good an idea as it sounds?? i wanna know...
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,959
Likes: 9
From: USA
Fords and Chevy's have different frame widths, so the axle will not be a direct swap. Fords and Chevys also use 2 different hub sizes, but the same 8x6.5" bolt circle. The Ford hub is larger than the Chevy hub. The hub size shouldn't be a problem as long as you stay with the Ford size wheels.
The Chevy axle being referred to is likely a full-float GM Corporate 14-bolt with the 10.50" ring gear. A very heavy duty axle. The Chevy 3/4-tons also came with a light-duty 14-bolt semi-float rear axle with a smaller dia ring gear. Avoid this one.
Your F250 probably has a Dana 60 rear, or possibly a Dana 70, but most likely the 60. Look on the center housing web below the axletube viewing from the rear of the truck and the model number should be cast into it there.
If all you're after is a locking rear differential in your truck, you can put one in your current axle. There are better lockers than the Gov-Lock style Eaton used in Chevys.
TracTech www.tractech.com makes the Detroit Locker, the standard by which all other lockers are judged and a very heavy duty, dependable unit, for just about every American truck axle made, including the Dana 60 and 70 as well as the GM's. Powertrax also makes lockers for Dana and Ford axles. I have one in my F350 and love it. Check out www.powertrax.com.
The Chevy axle being referred to is likely a full-float GM Corporate 14-bolt with the 10.50" ring gear. A very heavy duty axle. The Chevy 3/4-tons also came with a light-duty 14-bolt semi-float rear axle with a smaller dia ring gear. Avoid this one.
Your F250 probably has a Dana 60 rear, or possibly a Dana 70, but most likely the 60. Look on the center housing web below the axletube viewing from the rear of the truck and the model number should be cast into it there.
If all you're after is a locking rear differential in your truck, you can put one in your current axle. There are better lockers than the Gov-Lock style Eaton used in Chevys.
TracTech www.tractech.com makes the Detroit Locker, the standard by which all other lockers are judged and a very heavy duty, dependable unit, for just about every American truck axle made, including the Dana 60 and 70 as well as the GM's. Powertrax also makes lockers for Dana and Ford axles. I have one in my F350 and love it. Check out www.powertrax.com.
