Any Dana 70 wheel experts?

[Johninky]

Recently purchased a Dana 70 DRW axle sight unseen. Problem is the axle came with 17.5 rims. I thought I could easily replace the odd 17.5s with 16" wheels. The 16s fit but way too close to the leaf springs. Looking for 2" spacers/adapters or some other method to move the wheels outward. Other problem is the axle hub and wheels are the "coined face" type,i.e., not flat. Anyone have any idea how I can salvage this project? Hate to scrap everything but may just have to. Axle came out from under a 1983 Ford bread truck.

[Lowdown]

You should be able to solve both your wheel and width problems by switching to either SRW D70 or 14 bolt hubs without any problems.The wheel bearing sizes and axle shaft flange bolt patterns are the same.

[Johninky]

First, thank you. Did some internet surfing and found an article w/photos showing the difference between the DRW hub and the GM SRW hub. About 2' gained on each side which will be perfect. Since the brake drum is bolted to the backside of the hub and the shoes are attached to the backing plate, seems to me the SRW hub installed will pull the brake drum 2' outward. How do I get around this problem?

http://image.jpmagazine.com/f/15802610/ ... 70_hub.jpg

[Lowdown]

I'd first compare the width of the D70 drums and shoes to 14 bolt parts. I don't know them off hand but pirate4x4.com/forum is a great resource. Search there for sure.
Brainstorming, I would considering moving the factory flanges over to make up the difference or place a spacer between the backing plate and the factory flange.
Something doesn't add up though here. You say 16" wheels fit too close to the leaf springs but the 17.5"s fit okay? Diameter has no direct impact on wheel depth and back spacing. What back spacing does each wheel have? It sounds like there's a significant difference between the two.
Honestly though, I think you have C&C (cab and chassis) axle which I believe is significantly narrower than a standard width axle found in a pick-up. What does the mounting width measure?

[Johninky]

There is a difference in the overall width of the axles. The Cand C axle is about 4 inches shorter. Difference in the backspacing also. The 16 wheels is something like 9 inches and the 17.5s something like 7 inches. The 17.5s with tires will just clear the leaf springs. The 16 inch wheels with tires would rub. Forgot to mention I had the spring perches moved outward about 1 1/2 inches. The relocated spring pads are now 1 1/2 inches from the end of the axle tubes. A different brake drum may work but seriously thinking about abandoning this project. Just chalk it up as a $700 education. Truck currently has a Dana 60 HD with a 4.10 ratio, 3 inch brakes and Sure Grip. The Dana 70 has a 4.56 ratio, no Sure Grip and 2.5 inch brakes. Really thinking I am going backwards on this swap.

[Lowdown]

Being a cab and chassis axle, I'd say stick with the 60.