The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun Dana 70 in '50 3800 DRW?

Went to the local pick-a-part today to do some searching for a replacement rear axle for my 1950 3800 DRW.

I found two 14 bolts, but they were the wider ones at ~70" WMS, a bit too wide.

Then I came across several Late 80s/early 90s Dodge 3/4 and 1-ton WMS spacing that was 65". Looked to be Dana 70 rears. Anybody have info or experience putting a Dana 70 into a 50s Chevy?

I put a Dana 70HD from a GM motor home in my 48 two ton.
If you like the measurements then one axle is same as another, they all bolt in the same.
Usually requiring new spring pads or relocating the old ones. This is Ok though, perfect time to check and set pinion angle before welding the new pads on.

The 14 bolt cab and chassis axle really is a nice fit though in these 1 tons. With new spring pads and new backing plate flanges to use shallower offset drums (same brakes otherwise).

I just got a 14 bolt C/C rear end for my 1 ton dually. Would someone point me in the direction
for info on the how and why the shallow drums? wouldn't the rims hit ? where do you get them?

https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthread...ear-axle-swap-gm-14-bolt.html#Post723208

If you have a dual wheel truck you need the cab and chassis 14 bolt just as it comes (except for spring pad location) with the drums it comes with that fit in dual wheels.

If you want to run single wheels then you can use shallower drums with same brake area, same backing plate and shoes, but new mounting flange on axle for the new backing plate location.
The advantage of the shallower drums is they look better from the back end of a single wheel truck, and they allow plenty of room between backing plate and spring pack for the u-bolts and access to brake bleeder screw.

The 14 bolt C&C axle with the drums they come with leave very little room between spring pack and backing plate, but should be just enough room to make it work. Reason for not much room is the 14 bolt comes from a truck with nominal 34" width over rear frame, and the AD truck has 36" outside the rear frame.

thanks, Grigg, you are a fountain of wisdom. Charles