okay,
I have a 66 3/4 ton with an eaton h052 4:56 ring/pinion. originally i was all set up to swap in a 1/2 ton rear end with a 3:07 ring/pinion. truck was up on stands, tools ready, etc. came to find out ring gear was missing some teeth. lost a $100 bucks and learned a valuable lesson. trusted a complete stranger.
that's okay, really wanted to keep my 8 lug an 8 lug and did not want to change out my entire front end to make it a 6 lug. so....after almost a years research it comes down to a dana 60 or gm 14 bolt for a "higher" ring and pinion. if i go with the 14 bolt i can get a 3:42 ring/pinion. the dana i can get a 3:54 ring/pinion.
first question, would i notice a difference between those two gear set ups? they seem very close to me.
also, my eaton measured 65" aproximately from wms to wms. every 14 bolt i have measured comes in at about 67" wms to wms. the dana comes in at 65" which matches the original eaton. i am and will always run skinny steel wheels so width doesn't bother me, other than I want the front and back to have the same width. originally i thought i would go with the 14 bolt, but after seeing the dana i like the vintage correct look, the exact right width.
wondering what you fellas think. hope i am making the right decision. i realize the 14 bolt is a little friendlier with parts, but i am leaning towards the dana. toughness doesn't matter to me, as this will be a cruiser and mostly just carry my surfboard!
share your thoughts, and thanks in advance for any comments or suggestions.
Doug
