Eaton vs. 14 Bolt vs. Dana 60 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Chevy1TonFun · 01-01-2008, 12:42 PM

I have an Eaton rear end with RJ H02002 stamped on the third member. What ever that means I not sure. I don't know much about Eaton. Since buying and building this truck I asked all the offroad shops and nobody knew what it was and had never seen it before. It wasn't until I showed Jeff at ECE that I found out what it was. He also told me that they are hard to find parts for and to get rid of it.
But lately I've been told that an Eaton is strong rear end and to keep it. I would like to get a different rear end with gears and a locker. I'm looking at a 3/4 Dana 60 or 3/4 14 Bolt. What should I do.... I need some input.

1969k10stepside · 01-01-2008, 01:02 PM

I'd keep the Eaton..They are tough as nails (Tougher than the 14 bolt)..A 14 bolt is cheap and easy to get parts for but I'd stay with the Eaton unless it breaks (Doubt it will) and is cheaper to replace with a 14 bolt with a good locker.I'd look for a No Spin for it and call it done.I *think* you can use 14 bolt axle shafts,and other stuff in them too,so if you are looking to get stronger custom axle shafts,etc you could get some for a 14 bolt (If you can't for the Eaton) and use them in the Eaton.Maybe I just dreamed it but thought I read that somewhere..You get more ground clearance with the Eaton too.

62 short step · 01-01-2008, 02:52 PM

I'd keep it till it breaks, if that ever happens.

Hoods69BadBowTie · 01-02-2008, 07:56 AM

I vote to keep it because I also doubt that it will ever break. Then go with a good 14 bolt if you ever need to.

1969 GMC · 01-02-2008, 01:05 PM

14 bolt or Eaton are roughly equal in strength, I think either one of those would be good for you.

I would avoid a FF D60 rear simply because any aftermarket traction aide is going to be more costly, not to mention the other two axles are a bit beefier than the D60 (bigger pinion, ring gear, axle shafts, bearings).

I personally have an Eaton that is under my GMC, not original though. It has 5.13 gears and a factory No-Spin. My only problem with it was that it wasn't wide enough (65" wms) and I couldn't find any wider rear axles locally, so I have ordered a set of wheel spacers for the rear.

msgross · 01-02-2008, 01:24 PM

I think that most people "ASSUME" that one is weaker than the other and so on.... but really haven't ever broken one. Unless you're into hard core wheelin then I can't see many axles breaking at all....

If it works for you then I'd run it till it breaks, if it breaks... If your looking at a costly rebuild then something with more parts availability would be a wise choice.

Plumbnutz · 01-03-2008, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1969k10stepside

I'd keep the Eaton..They are tough as nails (Tougher than the 14 bolt)..A 14 bolt is cheap and easy to get parts for but I'd stay with the Eaton unless it breaks (Doubt it will) and is cheaper to replace with a 14 bolt with a good locker.I'd look for a No Spin for it and call it done.I *think* you can use 14 bolt axle shafts,and other stuff in them too,so if you are looking to get stronger custom axle shafts,etc you could get some for a 14 bolt (If you can't for the Eaton) and use them in the Eaton.Maybe I just dreamed it but thought I read that somewhere..You get more ground clearance with the Eaton too.

It is my understanding that 14 bolt axles and gear sets can be used in an Eaton but I have no text to back up that statement just what I've heard from others. I believe the reason they say the Eaton is stronger is because it's a solid cast diff, no axle tubes. You don't have to worry about the heat as much when welding brackets or spring perches versus a diff. with axle tubes.

pumpkin · 01-04-2008, 05:12 AM

I prefer the eaton, and with a bit of trimming you get 1/2 an inch more ground clearance than a 12 bolt

DieselEater · 01-04-2008, 01:07 PM

Does anyone actually have real data regarding the similarities between the Eaton and the 14-bolt??? I have a few of each and would like to know I could share certain things here and there........where would you guys look for good data?

A.........

hilbilly · 01-04-2008, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieselEater

Does anyone actually have real data regarding the similarities between the Eaton and the 14-bolt??? I have a few of each and would like to know I could share certain things here and there........where would you guys look for good data?

A.........

You ain't using the eaton in that pull truck are ya'?

1969k10stepside · 01-04-2008, 01:42 PM

On the rear axle subject..There is a 72 Longhorn C30 in the junkyard (For those that don't know what a Longhorn is as a truck,it's a one ton pickup with a fleetside bed with an extra 6" on it) I assume it has the HO72.The one ton's had the 72 right?Eaton Ho52 vs HO72..is there any strength difference or any plus to using one or the other?

DieselEater · 01-04-2008, 03:44 PM

I haven't used the eaton for pulling, but know a few guys that do......None of them are making over 500 HP yet, so no real strength data on the axle yet. The 14-bolt however, has been tested thousands of times up to 1000 HP!!!!

A.......

hilbilly · 01-05-2008, 05:25 AM

1000hp?? yea, ok, only with 33" 12.50's w/ 50psi that don't hook up.

pumpkin · 01-05-2008, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1969k10stepside

On the rear axle subject..There is a 72 Longhorn C30 in the junkyard (For those that don't know what a Longhorn is as a truck,it's a one ton pickup with a fleetside bed with an extra 6" on it) I assume it has the HO72.The one ton's had the 72 right?Eaton Ho52 vs HO72..is there any strength difference or any plus to using one or the other?

The best I can figure is the difference between the two is that the ho72 has a limmiting bushing that is adjustable and sits on the smooth side of the ring gear opposite the pinion to stop the ring gear from deflecting away from the pinion.

pumpkin · 01-05-2008, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieselEater

Does anyone actually have real data regarding the similarities between the Eaton and the 14-bolt??? I have a few of each and would like to know I could share certain things here and there........where would you guys look for good data?

A.........

I know that the spiders or lockers interchange between the two. You just have to use the coresponding axles.

DieselEater · 01-05-2008, 03:43 PM

Hey Hill billy,

Here's a great pulling site that I frequent daily.....Mostly furd guys but all are very cool.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/228279/

A........

hilbilly · 01-06-2008, 05:10 AM

Thanks, Diesel

Old Chevy Mech · 01-07-2008, 02:44 PM

My HO52 has that adjustable ring gear deflection rub shoe. Verified by the GM service manual and a flash light! I was suprised when I saw it. Maybe Its not an HO52 but an HO72, all I know is that it was in the K20 when I bought it. LOL

Frank

**special-K** · 01-08-2008, 07:24 AM

The difference is in the wheel bearings and brakes with the HO52 and HO72.The Corporate* rear has a lesser spline count.A 14-bolt carrier can be used with 14-bolt axles.The axles need about 3/4" (I think) cut off.
I have great service out of the original axles in my trucks,both Corporate and Dana.

*People mistakenly refer to these as Eatons.

EFI70Blazer · 01-08-2008, 09:46 AM

My buddy runs an Eaton in his Toyota Landcruiser. He has broken hubs, stub shafts, and u-joints in his front Dana 60, but has never broken anything in the Eaton. He is running 5.13 gears with Detroit lockers in both along with 44 inch tires.

On another note, you also get more ground clearance with the Eaton than a Dana 60 or a 14 bolt. Personally i would use it till it breaks. Here is a small video of him going through a mud hole.

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fu...deoid=19856624

**special-K** · 01-08-2008, 11:20 AM

I got all the brake parts I needed at Napa.You can put 14-bolt disc brake set-ups on them.

Chevy1TonFun · 01-08-2008, 11:33 AM

ok so i found a shop in utah that rebuilds 14 Bolts. He will build me one with a detroit locker and 4.56 gears for about $850. I think thats what I am going to do.

Thank you for all your input!!

kris's66lwb · 01-08-2008, 05:35 PM

so you can put 14bolt disks on the rear ho 72 or ho52s

EFI70Blazer · 01-08-2008, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kris's66lwb

so you can put 14bolt disks on the rear ho 72 or ho52s

Yes

kris's66lwb · 01-10-2008, 01:25 PM

do they just bolt up or do you have to have special stuff

01-01-2008, 12:42 PM	#1
Chevy1TonFun Grease Monkey Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Fresno CA Posts: 750	Eaton vs. 14 Bolt vs. Dana 60 I have an Eaton rear end with RJ H02002 stamped on the third member. What ever that means I not sure. I don't know much about Eaton. Since buying and building this truck I asked all the offroad shops and nobody knew what it was and had never seen it before. It wasn't until I showed Jeff at ECE that I found out what it was. He also told me that they are hard to find parts for and to get rid of it. But lately I've been told that an Eaton is strong rear end and to keep it. I would like to get a different rear end with gears and a locker. I'm looking at a 3/4 Dana 60 or 3/4 14 Bolt. What should I do.... I need some input. __________________ Tow Rig: 2012 Chevy 2500HD CCSB LTZ Z71 4x4 Duramax Ultimate Offroad Build: 1978 Chevy Silverado K30 Crewcab Build Link http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=654053 Mud Truck: 1972 Chevy Cheyenne K30 4x4, 468/400/205, D60/D70HD, 18" Custom Lift, 17x39" IROKs FOR SALE http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/c...ton-4x4&cat=12

01-01-2008, 01:02 PM	#2
1969k10stepside Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: USA Posts: 21,019	Re: Eaton vs. 14 Bolt vs. Dana 60 I'd keep the Eaton..They are tough as nails (Tougher than the 14 bolt)..A 14 bolt is cheap and easy to get parts for but I'd stay with the Eaton unless it breaks (Doubt it will) and is cheaper to replace with a 14 bolt with a good locker.I'd look for a No Spin for it and call it done.I think you can use 14 bolt axle shafts,and other stuff in them too,so if you are looking to get stronger custom axle shafts,etc you could get some for a 14 bolt (If you can't for the Eaton) and use them in the Eaton.Maybe I just dreamed it but thought I read that somewhere..You get more ground clearance with the Eaton too. Last edited by 1969k10stepside; 01-02-2008 at 08:27 AM.

01-01-2008, 02:52 PM	#3
62 short step Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Greenwell Springs, Louisiana Posts: 2,882	Re: Eaton vs. 14 Bolt vs. Dana 60 I'd keep it till it breaks, if that ever happens.

01-02-2008, 07:56 AM	#4
Hoods69BadBowTie Chevys Kick A$$ Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Zootown, MT Posts: 12,699	Re: Eaton vs. 14 Bolt vs. Dana 60 I vote to keep it because I also doubt that it will ever break. Then go with a good 14 bolt if you ever need to. __________________ HOODS is what I answer too -'79, '77, '88 Pickup Sold, '85 Camaro, '83 T/A, '81,'83,'90 K5 Blazer All Sold -'79 3/4 ton "Big Yellow Bananna" Lifted 4spd. 39.5 TSL Swampers, The money Pit -'86 K5 Blazer Silverado 6.2 4" lift 35"s -'95 Ext. Cab Shorty 4" Tuff Country rolling 35" M/T's -'83 Monte Carlo T-Tops. 126,500 Original Miles -LATER I would rather push a Chevy then drive a ford!!

01-02-2008, 01:05 PM	#5
1969 GMC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The Rubber City Posts: 5,498	Re: Eaton vs. 14 Bolt vs. Dana 60 14 bolt or Eaton are roughly equal in strength, I think either one of those would be good for you. I would avoid a FF D60 rear simply because any aftermarket traction aide is going to be more costly, not to mention the other two axles are a bit beefier than the D60 (bigger pinion, ring gear, axle shafts, bearings). I personally have an Eaton that is under my GMC, not original though. It has 5.13 gears and a factory No-Spin. My only problem with it was that it wasn't wide enough (65" wms) and I couldn't find any wider rear axles locally, so I have ordered a set of wheel spacers for the rear. __________________ 1969 GMC K2500 1996 Honda Accord 2007 Kawasaki KLR 650

01-02-2008, 01:24 PM	#6
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: Eaton vs. 14 Bolt vs. Dana 60 I think that most people "ASSUME" that one is weaker than the other and so on.... but really haven't ever broken one. Unless you're into hard core wheelin then I can't see many axles breaking at all.... If it works for you then I'd run it till it breaks, if it breaks... If your looking at a costly rebuild then something with more parts availability would be a wise choice. __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

01-04-2008, 05:12 AM	#8
pumpkin Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: East Sooke B.C. Canada Posts: 543	Re: Eaton vs. 14 Bolt vs. Dana 60 I prefer the eaton, and with a bit of trimming you get 1/2 an inch more ground clearance than a 12 bolt Attached Images

01-04-2008, 01:07 PM	#9
DieselEater Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Trinidad, Colorado Posts: 642	Re: Eaton vs. 14 Bolt vs. Dana 60 Does anyone actually have real data regarding the similarities between the Eaton and the 14-bolt??? I have a few of each and would like to know I could share certain things here and there........where would you guys look for good data? A......... __________________ 69' 3/4 4X4 470ci BBC 700 HP.... D60/14bolt 205/465 http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...ndid=127691959

01-04-2008, 01:42 PM	#11
1969k10stepside Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: USA Posts: 21,019	Re: Eaton vs. 14 Bolt vs. Dana 60 On the rear axle subject..There is a 72 Longhorn C30 in the junkyard (For those that don't know what a Longhorn is as a truck,it's a one ton pickup with a fleetside bed with an extra 6" on it) I assume it has the HO72.The one ton's had the 72 right?Eaton Ho52 vs HO72..is there any strength difference or any plus to using one or the other? Last edited by 1969k10stepside; 01-04-2008 at 01:43 PM.

01-04-2008, 03:44 PM	#12
DieselEater Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Trinidad, Colorado Posts: 642	Re: Eaton vs. 14 Bolt vs. Dana 60 I haven't used the eaton for pulling, but know a few guys that do......None of them are making over 500 HP yet, so no real strength data on the axle yet. The 14-bolt however, has been tested thousands of times up to 1000 HP!!!! A....... __________________ 69' 3/4 4X4 470ci BBC 700 HP.... D60/14bolt 205/465 http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...ndid=127691959

01-05-2008, 05:25 AM	#13
hilbilly I do everything twice, so what Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: To the Right. One may go as far to say WAY to the Right Posts: 378	Re: Eaton vs. 14 Bolt vs. Dana 60 1000hp?? yea, ok, only with 33" 12.50's w/ 50psi that don't hook up. __________________ www.hilbillytruckpulling.com

01-05-2008, 03:43 PM	#16
DieselEater Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Trinidad, Colorado Posts: 642	Re: Eaton vs. 14 Bolt vs. Dana 60 Hey Hill billy, Here's a great pulling site that I frequent daily.....Mostly furd guys but all are very cool. http://www.network54.com/Forum/228279/ A........ __________________ 69' 3/4 4X4 470ci BBC 700 HP.... D60/14bolt 205/465 http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...ndid=127691959

01-06-2008, 05:10 AM	#17
hilbilly I do everything twice, so what Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: To the Right. One may go as far to say WAY to the Right Posts: 378	Re: Eaton vs. 14 Bolt vs. Dana 60 Thanks, Diesel __________________ www.hilbillytruckpulling.com

01-07-2008, 02:44 PM	#18
Old Chevy Mech Keepin it runnin! Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Deep River, CT Posts: 1,036	Re: Eaton vs. 14 Bolt vs. Dana 60 My HO52 has that adjustable ring gear deflection rub shoe. Verified by the GM service manual and a flash light! I was suprised when I saw it. Maybe Its not an HO52 but an HO72, all I know is that it was in the K20 when I bought it. LOL Frank __________________ 1970 K-5 4X4 Blazer 1970 K-20 4X4 Long Bed "Liberty Means Responsibility, that is why most men dread it"

01-08-2008, 07:24 AM	#19
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Eaton vs. 14 Bolt vs. Dana 60 The difference is in the wheel bearings and brakes with the HO52 and HO72.The Corporate* rear has a lesser spline count.A 14-bolt carrier can be used with 14-bolt axles.The axles need about 3/4" (I think) cut off. I have great service out of the original axles in my trucks,both Corporate and Dana. People mistakenly refer to these as Eatons. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE* THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ Last edited by special-K; 11-20-2012 at 07:18 AM.



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01-08-2008, 09:46 AM	#20
EFI70Blazer Active Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Pendleton, OR Posts: 243	Re: Eaton vs. 14 Bolt vs. Dana 60 My buddy runs an Eaton in his Toyota Landcruiser. He has broken hubs, stub shafts, and u-joints in his front Dana 60, but has never broken anything in the Eaton. He is running 5.13 gears with Detroit lockers in both along with 44 inch tires. On another note, you also get more ground clearance with the Eaton than a Dana 60 or a 14 bolt. Personally i would use it till it breaks. Here is a small video of him going through a mud hole. http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fu...deoid=19856624 __________________ Mike T. Oregon 70 GMC Jimmy 4x4 70 Camaro LS1 plans in the works 71 RS/SS Camaro numbers matching 86 Chevy Silverado SWB 4x4 (454 merlin heads, 3/4 running gear upgrade, Detroit lockers front and rear)

01-08-2008, 11:20 AM	#21
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Eaton vs. 14 Bolt vs. Dana 60 I got all the brake parts I needed at Napa.You can put 14-bolt disc brake set-ups on them. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

01-08-2008, 11:33 AM	#22
Chevy1TonFun Grease Monkey Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Fresno CA Posts: 750	Re: Eaton vs. 14 Bolt vs. Dana 60 ok so i found a shop in utah that rebuilds 14 Bolts. He will build me one with a detroit locker and 4.56 gears for about $850. I think thats what I am going to do. Thank you for all your input!! __________________ Tow Rig: 2012 Chevy 2500HD CCSB LTZ Z71 4x4 Duramax Ultimate Offroad Build: 1978 Chevy Silverado K30 Crewcab Build Link http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=654053 Mud Truck: 1972 Chevy Cheyenne K30 4x4, 468/400/205, D60/D70HD, 18" Custom Lift, 17x39" IROKs FOR SALE http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/c...ton-4x4&cat=12 Last edited by Chevy1TonFun; 01-08-2008 at 11:34 AM.

01-08-2008, 05:35 PM	#23
kris's66lwb resident wrencher Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: ramona california Posts: 720	Re: Eaton vs. 14 Bolt vs. Dana 60 so you can put 14bolt disks on the rear ho 72 or ho52s

01-10-2008, 01:25 PM	#25
kris's66lwb resident wrencher Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: ramona california Posts: 720	Re: Eaton vs. 14 Bolt vs. Dana 60 do they just bolt up or do you have to have special stuff

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