Old School Dana 60 Front end question

69supersport · March 14, 2007

I hope this is not to old school for this forum......I am thinking about buying a 78 gmc truck (k30 supposedly) that my moms neighbor has. The owner says its a one ton but I have not been able to get to see it up close in person. Im concerned because I do not want a 3/4 ton truck, I would like to have a 1 ton, obvious benefits. But I noticed some interesting things while I looked from a far. As its parked behind a locked fence, no not gonna jump it... The rear end is a 14 bolt, 99% sure, was able to count the bolts and have seen plenty of them to know. The truck sits a little low but that could be due to the tire and rim combo on it. Its not lowered but has some wide bfg's on it. The front axel is on the passenger side (not drivers like my k5) and looks like its a high pinion design, well at least thats what I think because it looks to be fatter on the top of the axle. The front axle also has what looks like a floater set up. Its bigger than a normal locking hub but I could be wrong. So what I'd really like to know is, is this a 1 ton truck or not? Oh, its got a 400ci v8, and 400 trans, and I think a 205, sweet set up, I know, but im stumped until I can get under there, but who knows when that will happen. Any help would be nice, its far from my house so a trip out there is a weekend thing. The truck has not been modified, and its the original owner. Thanks!!

69supersport · March 19, 2007

Its ok, dont anyone get up....i got this one! lol. It was a 3/4 ton, checked the vin for the 4th digit, was a 2, and the front axle was a d44. The search continues!

kosb · March 21, 2007

If the trucks a really good deal go for it. The switch from one to the other is fairly painless. I've bought D60's from these guys before. You should be able to sell the D44 fairly easy to help recoup your costs.

Just a thought.

http://www.boyceequipment.com/

Ranger · March 21, 2007

The rest of the drivetrain might be worth it, especially that TH400/205 combo. The 8-lug D44s are pretty strong anyways and will hold up well enough til you can get a D60.

69supersport · May 14, 2007

Well I finally got to it, and it was sad, along with the owner to find out that it was a dana 44 in the front, 14bolt in the rear, and the killer, a 400, 350, 203 combo. Not my ideal setup, nor anyones for that fact. I did pass on the truck and will stick with getting some dana 60's for my k5, Thanks to all