Dana 70 stub shaft help

[Leadfoot]

A buddy of mine who is running a D70 in the front of his Superstock pulling truck just broke a stub shaft. I believe he said it's 27 (or 2x) spline?? I thought D70 used 35 spline for the front and an odd 23 spline in the rear....

Is there aftermarket replacement or a way to upgrade them?

Thanks in advance

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Yeah, the 35 spline outer shafts that many of us put in our 60's are actually intended for dana 70 front ends.

If its a 27 spline outer (or something like that) it may be a really old front end. Is it closed knuckle?

You can call the aftermarket axle manufacturers and see if they make shafts for it (I doubt it), but even if they don't I bet they can make you some custom shafts for a somewhat reasonable cost.

Most dana 70 rear ends are 35 spline, but some are 23 (or something like that).

 

[muddermilitia]

yea what he said ^^ I have heard of CTM making custom 70 shafts but they were big $$$$$$

 

[Leadfoot]

I found out that the unit is a closed knuckle D70. How hard is it to convert to open knuckle and/or is it worth it.

 

[atho]

It would be easier to find (or make) 35 spline drive flanges and just get newer OEM spicer shafts than convert any axle to open knuckle, unless you happen to have a D60 front with spun carrier bearings just taking up space and/or work at Dedenbear.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

I found out that the unit is a closed knuckle D70. How hard is it to convert to open knuckle and/or is it worth it.

Its not too hard (remove inner c's and knuckles, spindles, etc. and replace with open knuckle ones). There is some cutting and welding involved (getting the inner c's off and on).

The big factor is money. The c's and knuckles are the expensive parts of front axles. It would likely cost well over $1000 to convert it to open knuckle (unless you find a donor axle, in which case you would just swap that over).

I think your buddy found out why everyone steers clear of closed knuckle 60's and 70's (since he broke the smaller shafts and upgrading them even to stock open knuckle strength is really expensive).