Eaton Rearend??

[Big Blzn]

Fellas, as some of you have seen some of my threads in the past I have been looking for a 1 ton 14 bolt for my '72 blazer for some time and have come across nothing in So Cal at a reasonable price. Still don't want to have to get 3/4 ton and move spring purches. (trust me, without guidance i'd fock up the perch move). The other day I came across what I believe is an Eaton rear end out of an early '70s GMC truck at a salvage yard and it seems the perches are the proper spacing. Isn't the Eaton a really good axle and is just the predicessor to the 14BFF. I believe I can get it for about $130. It's a full floater and all. I have the trucks info as far as the vin # so is there a way to look up all the specs of that particular truck along with the gear ratio using the VIN#? Would the Eaton be a good choice? Is there enough after market support for parts etc to do axle shaft up grades at reasonable prices. Please give your honest opinions.

BTW, the reason I believe it is an Eaton is the year of the truck and especially the very round diff cover and FF hubs. Is the Eaton like a furd 9" in that it has a third member?
Thanks, Hoby

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Yes, the Eaton has a removable third member like a 9". What you saw is likely an Eaton. They don't have much aftermarket support (the gears you get with the axle are what you are stuck with, but they are usually in the 4.56 range). The Eatons have coarse (19?) spline shafts but the 30 spline (FF) 14 detroit and shafts are a direct bolt in.

 

[broncoman6524]

ami correct in saying that 3/4 bolt irght into k5s, NOT 1 ton...

 

[79k20350]

You got it backwards, 3/4 tons bolt right in...

And yes, ther eis an echo in hear

 

[Moody]

I swapped in an Eaton in my 70 Blazer and it was piece of cake....I happened to find a matching front and rear axle out of a 72 Cheyenne with 4.10's and a factory locker in the rear. My only suggestion is ditch the rear drums for discs....you'll have a heck of a time finding parts and the ones you do find will be mega expensive. Good news is 14FF disc brake brackets will bolt on without any mods. Good luck!

 

[WinslowS]

I think 72 and older have the same spacing as 1 tons. I thought I saw that somewhere, correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Big Blzn]

I think 72 and older have the same spacing as 1 tons. I thought I saw that somewhere, correct me if I'm wrong.

Yes. That is correct.

 

[Col_Sanders]

Did they make them in 6 lug in the 64s too? Just wondering if I passed up on something I shouldnt have.