Dana 70 questions

lotochrome

lotochrome

Active Member
Joined
Aug 6, 2007
Location
Thomasville, NC
My friend is going to look at a Dana 70 rear end this week to put in his 77 Cherokee, and was asking if anyone knew if there were models or years that some more or less desirable than others. Do some have weaker gears or harder to find parts for, advantages or disadvantages of a Chevy v/s Ford v/s Chrysler. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your input,
Bob
 
There are 3 basic Dana 70's

Dana 70- most common in (73-91) GM's 1tons, also came in 3/4 dodges 60-85, ford350 (60-82)- has 30 or 35 spline axles

Dana 70 HD- GM 1ton- (75-02), f350 (80-98)- this has larger pinion bearings and carrier bearings, only 35 spline axles

Dana 70 U- Dodge (80-present) in 1ton, 3/4 ton trucks, Ford put it in some 250, 350 in the 80's through about 02. seen in some 3/4 ton vans as well- these have smaller pinion bearings than a standard 70, and 32 spline axles


They all have the same ring and pinion 10.5, In theory the best one would be the HD but any 70 is strong, I would find a 35 spline one as shafts would be easier to source.
 
D 70's out of 85 f250 diesels have 35 splines.The only reason I know is that I pulled one a while back to use in a project. The other good thing about the "U" is the bottom of the housing is as smooth as a baby's butt.
 
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