Has anyone swapped in a newer Dana 70?

[1970D300]

Rear brake drums are available for the newer Dana 70 from the late 80s or so, so has any one swapped to a newer Dana 70?

[1970D300]

And.... If I find a newer one that has an open differential, will the limited slip unit in my 1970 Dana 70 swap into it?

[martincom]

I can't answer your fitment questions. Please be aware that swapping the differential carriers is more than a simple swap. You'll likely need an axle housing spreader to remove it and will definitely to install it. You'll need to measure/adjust the ring/pinion lash and the carrier bearing preload. Adjustments are made by changing the shims between the bearings and the carrier. A special puller is required to remove the bearings.

[BigBlockTrucks]

I can’t say on a Dana axle but I used a limited slip 8.5 carrier from 1988 in a 1973 housing. Only difference was the was a tone ring on the newer gear set. It still fit the older housing. It works in the GM world.
I would say it’s worth looking into especially if you have both axles already.

[1970D300]

I have a place I know to my gear changes, so no need for me to swap internals around on my own.

If anyone has done either of the swaps mentioned above, I would love to hear from you.

I do know that new spring perches would need to be welded on to keep the leaf springs in the right position on the '70.

[martincom]

I do know that new spring perches would need to be welded on to keep the leaf springs in the right position on the '70.

I believe you mean the spring seat spacing and the pinion angle.

This is a big project and not necessarily cheap, either. Just how expensive is it to have your existing drums relined?

[PwrWgnDrvr]

I do know that new spring perches would need to be welded on to keep the leaf springs in the right position on the '70.

I believe you mean the spring seat spacing and the pinion angle.

This is a big project and not necessarily cheap, either. Just how expensive is it to have your existing drums relined?

Probably $400 each, maybe more, plus find a shop and probably pay shipping both ways.

[1970D300]

One of the drums is missing a large portion of the inner bell, I see no reason to spend money on junk.

If I change the whole Dana, new drums are available cheaper than having old drums relined.

(The dually rear in my 1st gen Cummins measures very close to the same inside the brake backing plates & I have chatted to a guy that gas one for sale)

Pinion angle and new perches I can do myself.

So, back the question, has anyone here actually done this?

[sixpak340]

I brought a Dana 70 from a 1st Gen. Cab / Chassis dually today, I'll get photos with measurements soon.

It looks like moving the perches is the only obstacle. If so, cakepiece.

[sixpak340]

x