64 3/4T rear end

[eandsintn]

Ok guys, I have been looking high and low to a solution for my 64' C25 LWB Stepside. I'm well versed on engines and such but I have zip experience on rear ends. I have the factory 8lug 3/4T rear end. I have a Buick 455 with a 5sp going in. What in the heck is this diff? Is it a floater? Equal or unequal axle lengths? Is it worth swapping axles/hubs to go disc? What about gear availability (I know I need to go tall with the low RPM and high torque of the 455)? Or would my best bet be to get a modern rear, select my gear ratio and weld perches/etc?

[SFTorange]

I spent a long time trying to figure out what to do with the Eaton HO52 in my '66. If you post a picture, I'm sure folks could confirm what you have. I was able to buy some time by swapping the third member with 4.56 gears from mine with one that had 4.10 gears. The third member or "pumpkin" unbolts from the front side of the housing and simply falls out after you pull the axles. The tallest gears that will fit in the housing are 3.90's, but I don't think the gears are manufactured any more.

Ultimately I decided to convert my truck to a 1/2 ton. I'm in the process of swapping out a 12 bolt rear out of a '68 into my truck. It is a fairly simple procedure if you find a 12 bolt rear out of a coil spring truck.

I'm not aware of a simple bolt-in solution for the 8-lug rear. There may be an option out there that I don't know of. From my experience, if you want to stay with 8-lug, I would recommend welding new perches on a newer rear end. The more modern setups were wider than what came originally in our trucks, so you do have to deal with some wheel backspacing issues.

I'll let someone else fill in the details as far as what rear is best.

[vin63]

Originally Posted by eandsintn

Ok guys, I have been looking high and low to a solution for my 64' C25 LWB Stepside. I'm well versed on engines and such but I have zip experience on rear ends. I have the factory 8lug 3/4T rear end. I have a Buick 455 with a 5sp going in. What in the heck is this diff? Is it a floater? Equal or unequal axle lengths? Is it worth swapping axles/hubs to go disc? What about gear availability (I know I need to go tall with the low RPM and high torque of the 455)? Or would my best bet be to get a modern rear, select my gear ratio and weld perches/etc?

Very cool that you're running a 455 Buick! A photo of the rearend would be helpful.

As far as worth, I would also lean toward a later model rearend assembly. If you want to stick with the 8-lug wheel pattern, you can always have new axles cut and specify the 8-lug pattern on the flange. I'm running a Ford 9-inch behind my 462 ci Pontiac and 4L80E. I wanted to run a set of vintage Ansen Sprints that had a 5 on 4.75 pattern, so my axle flanges were drilled for both 5 on 5 and 5 on 4.75 patterns.

[Captainfab]

My first choice for a new rear end would be a Dana 60 from a '69-'72 big block truck. They typically came with 3.54 gears when equipped with an auto trans. This would be a direct bolt in. However I don't see many around here, but that may be different in your area. Next I would suggest a '73 and up 10.5 FF 14 bolt. The '73-'87 versions will be 1 3/8" overall wider that your HO52. So as previously mentioned, you may experience tire fitment issues. All depends on what tires you are running. With either of those rear ends, you will have no problem finding parts, and at reasonable prices. Plus a better gear ratio selection.

[chopped65]

if you want to keep the axle you have, which if it's a ho52 is a great axle, you can get disk brake kits from blackbirdscustomtrucks.com. I bought his kit for my dana 60 and it was great.

[LostMy65]

Has anyone seen this option for discs?
http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/...ket-p-289.html

[pope]

SFTorange do you still have the 4:10 gears around? If so would you want to sell them?