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Eaton ignorant.........

dontoe

dontoe

3/4 ton status
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From what I've read here, I want an Eaton rear to replace my 12b.

1. Anyone have some good pics to go by when looking for one?

2. What years and models of trucks are the ones I want to look at?

3. Any other info about swapping to 14BFF axles, carrier, etc.
 
Georgia Gabe runs one. And I think Hoodrich too. Maybe shoot them a PM with your questions.
 
I believe Eaton rears came in '72 & older 3/4+ton Chevy trucks. They basically look like a big Ford 9" except they have a removable round cover on the backside of the axle. Why an Eaton over a 14bff? I can see it if you already have the Eaton or it is free but to me it would seam easier & cheaper to just do a 14bff.

Harley
 
It probably depends on how much you are willing to shave your 14bff. The eaton may be smoother then a 14bff & offer some extra clearence but not much I wouldn't think. The ring gear is still going to be pretty large in an Eaton so it will sit below the axle centerline at a similar height as a 14bff.

Harley
 
Hossbaby50 said:
It probably depends on how much you are willing to shave your 14bff. The eaton may be smoother then a 14bff & offer some extra clearence but not much I wouldn't think. The ring gear is still going to be pretty large in an Eaton so it will sit below the axle centerline at a similar height as a 14bff.

Harley
Click to expand...

Not the case.

A eaton can be shaved for more clearance than a d44.

If i remember correctly its 1-2" stock
 
Try to find one with a No-spin in it since you can not buy a new one. You can change one out pretty easy but you would still have to find a third memeber with a No-Spin used. The gear ratio is pretty limitted (3:90, 4:10 and 4:56. IIRR) and some people say you can still get new gears for them but I have never seen any avilable.
 
an eaton axle is lighter than a 14 bolt.

from my experiance the axle housing is similar from 49 to 72 the later hubs make it wider 63 vs 65
 
I love my eaton, I have not shaved it yet. And it came stock with 456s and a detroit. I have a spare set of shafts for it so I prolly wont be changing to 14bolt stuff.

here is a pretty good writeup on shaving an eaton from pirate

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=378622

also some good info from right here at home

http://www.coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?mode=hybrid&t=144838

IMO it is the better choice than the 14bolt for a few key things... stock it has better clearance and will slide easier over rocks. Shaved it has way better clearance and it is easily done since the housing is not cast. If you ever decide to 4 link it will be easier with the eaton because you can weld directly to the top of the housing without building a truss bc its not cast.

I like mine... its different... it works

gabe

ps... I also like the big red cover ... dont know why I just do
42flex4.jpg

shackle.jpg
 
I think I have one??...

I have a '62 GMC C-20 chassis that was made into a trailer out in my yard--I thought it had an Eaton rear axle--it has coil springs,truck was a 3/4 ton 2wd...axle has 4.56 gears according to the tag (still there 45 years later!:eek1: )..it has full floating axles...but the rear "cover" isn't removable,if I remeber right it was welded right into the housing,and the carrier drops out from the front like a 9" ford rear would..

But reading this post,I see the Eaton ones pictured have a removeable diff cover??...maybe mine is a spicer or some other weirdo??.or did some have removeable covers,and some didn't?...:confused:
 
I run 2 of them,a 4.56 with a nospin diff and a 4.10 with nospin diff. I have another 3rd member for 1 with 5.14 gears and have been told a 14b detroit will fit but havent tried it yet. I have a 14b with a Detroit so I am going to look into it. The Eaton axleshafts are 17 spline but I hammer the crap out of them in my Plow/tow truck with 454/465/205 and have not broken them in over 15 years of abuse. They are in 50s through early 70s GM 3/4 and 1 ton Pickups. I also have 1 in my 77 Jimmy that is on its 3rd set of 36+ inch tires.Pictures of the trucks they are in are in my gallery.
 
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I think some had removeable rear covers and some were welded. I beleive the older ones were welded
 
All GM Eatons have removable diff covers.I've seen dozens from the 47' up to 72'. 71' and 72' have 9/16" studs where the older ones have 1/2" studs :rolleyes: . IH had a similar diff that doesn't. I'm running one in my Truggy and will continue to run them. They are tough and shaved the provide incredible clearance. I shaved one,then sold it. Shafts are 17spline and seem to be tough. I know of a couple guys in WA State that are running them behind 500HP 454's on 44"s and they're holding up well. A 14bolt Detroit and shafts will fit. There was a guy on Pirate trying to mod a carrier to fit a 14bolt ARB which I'd really like :D . I run a 14bolt disc conversion on mine. Fits perfect.
 
I've learned alot about these axles over the last year after swapping one out of a 72 Cheyenne to go in my 70 Blazer. I've got a 4.10 gear set with the factory no-spin. Brake parts are very difficult to find and expensive when available. I'm doing a rear disc conversion on mine and with disc brake brackets from Ruff Stuff. Some stuff is interchangeable with 14ff. With an open rear you can swap a 14 bolt detroit with 14 bolt rear axles. Like mentioned earlier the eatons only have 17 spline axles but mine show almost no wear after 35 years. I have acquired an extra set of axles in the event I ever break any. I know the pinion diameter is 2" just like a 14 bolt but not sure of the spline number. I would like to upgrade to a 1410 yoke but I am still checking. I've heard they go through pinion bearings quickly, but others have stated they haven't had any problems. Removeable center section makes it easy to change gears and sure makes it easy to move the axle housing around when empty!

blazer progress 007.jpg

blazer progress 010.jpg
 
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