Help with rear change options

[herbflinkman]

Does anybody have any suggestions? I have a 1966 Camper Special that I want to drive. I have tried to find rear gears but have been told none are available for the OU 52 rear I have (with 4:56 gears). I have been told my only option is swapping the banjo. I have measured mine and have a 65 1/4" wheel mounting to wheel mounting dimension. I only have 1 1/2" inside and 2 1/2" outside clearance between my bed and tires (which are almost new and I want to use). What will swap in with a posi and something like 3:36 gears? I have considered a OD 5 spd but can't handle the money. But i would like to plan for that in the future.
Thanks to anyone that can help!!
Herb

[Rich 5150 69]

TX Firefighter did a late model 6-lug conversion to I believe 3.08 gears , a complete rear axle, you`ll need to look in the project build section for it...

here.....http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=373970

[tincan1966]

Parts for the HO 52 and 72 rear axles are hard to find. From my experience, check out some of the 4 X 4 off roading websites- alot of those guys use these.

An option would be to switch the entire axle assy for a '73-'87 either semi-floating or full-floating rear axle. This will require some fabrication, if your truck is a coil spring rear.
The only width concerns you will have is if your are looking at a 14 bolt dually rear axle, as there are cab and chassis axles(narrower) and true dually pickup rear axles.

if I am mistaken, hopefully someone else will chime in and correct me- hope not to mislead.

[billd5string]

It is my understanding that the lowest (numerically) gear you can find for the HO52/72 is 4.10 which is what I've got in my '65 C20. It came with a 5.13 non-posi unit when I bought the truck, but I watched craigslist regularly and found an add for a 72 Eaton rearend with the 4.10 and posi for less than $100. I bought it, just swapped the center section, and it works great.

For me, it was worth the wait and money savings to search instead of rushing out and trying to swap to a leaf spring setup.

Good luck!

[Captainfab]

I would suggest just switching the entire differential for something with better gear choices and easier to find parts for. With that said, a Dana 60 out of a '67-'72 C20 would be a direct bolt in. But those can be difficult to find. If you find one out of a '68-'72 C20 that originally had a big block and an auto trans, those typically have the 3.54 gears. The next option would be a '73+ 10.5" (full floating) 14 bolt. Those are usually easy to find. To install one of those there will be cutting and welding involved. You will have to remove all the original shock brackets and the leaf spring perches. Then you will have to weld on a set of trailing arm mounts and add a panhard bar mount. The panhard bar mount from the Eaton can be cut off and be welded to the 14 bolt axle tube. I do sell trailing arm mounts specifically sized for the 14 bolt.