A little backround first, I am looking for a new rear axle assy, It must be strong enough for a 500 Cad and lot's of gear reduction and be 5x5.5 with disc brakes and have a selectable locker. A bonus would be light weight, good clearance, and full float.

The shortest pinion for the longest possible driveshaft would be a huge bonus.

I just did a search on Eaton, and 14 bolt and learned a lot, but have more questions.

Today I found a Eaton dually. Never saw one before and took a few measurments. It looked to me that the pinion length is about 2 to 3 inches shorter than a 14 bolt or Dana 60.

I read that I could use 14 bolt components inside the Eaton, and the feeble brain started to overload.

What I came up with was to use the Eaton housing with 14 bolt inners and the new Eaton E locker when it comes out. Some sort of a disc conversion and turn the hubs down. The Eaton looks like it would be rather light, and maybe I could shave it down for better clearance.

Would I keep the shorter pinion length if I use the 14 bolt stuff?

Is this a doable project? what are the pitfalls? and what have I missed?

yes it's doable
but why stay with 5 on 5.5?
i guess if you already have beadlocks that's an ok reason
i'm running 14 bolt shafts and side gears in my eaton, and should be able to figure out how to put that eaton selectable without too much trouble
disk brake conversion should be just like a 14b swap
I think the housing is stronger than a 14 bolt, plus you can weld on a nice big sewer cap for rock bash ability
I would get the eaton and a 14 bolt and go to it
good luck

Thanks that is encouraging news. Yes I have 5 sets of wheels, and 1 is beadlocked. Even my Trailer is 5x5.5 in a feeble attempt to limit my total amount of junk laying around.

Would I be able to shave the eaton housing for ground clearance, and how heavy is it compared to a 60, or a 14 bolt? Does it matter if it is from a pickup or dually?

Originally posted by ChiScouter
Thanks that is encouraging news. Yes I have 5 sets of wheels, and 1 is beadlocked. Even my Trailer is 5x5.5 in a feeble attempt to limit my total amount of junk laying around.

Would I be able to shave the eaton housing for ground clearance, and how heavy is it compared to a 60, or a 14 bolt? Does it matter if it is from a pickup or dually?

I'm not shaving my eaton - I'd just run it as it is. Especially if you are rotating the housing at all. It is cheap and easy to do a disc swap, plus the eaton IS stronger than the 14 bolt. Swap the 14 bolt shafts in, the side gears, set up that locker and you are in business!

I know someone that has an eaton rear with 456 gears and detriot locker, he is not using it, sure he would sell it if your interessted.

Uh Oh! I think I have now found the problem with my plan, I was under the impression that I could use the 14 bolt R&P, but now I am getting the feeling that you guys are swapping out the side gears. I need to have 3.54's which I understand are not part of the program with the Eaton 12.5 inch setup. I will be using a homemade doubler setup, so low gearing is not a problem on the trail, but I have to have 3.54's or something very close as this is a 20,000 mile a year daily driver. Am I fawked with the Eaton?

I think there were some high gears available
call a r& P shop

I used to have an Eaton with 4.10's and as far as I am aware of, that is the highest gear set available, but not for sure.....what size tires are on this daily driven rig....just curious


Justin

Originally posted by ChiScouter
Uh Oh! I think I have now found the problem with my plan, I was under the impression that I could use the 14 bolt R&P, but now I am getting the feeling that you guys are swapping out the side gears. I need to have 3.54's which I understand are not part of the program with the Eaton 12.5 inch setup. I will be using a homemade doubler setup, so low gearing is not a problem on the trail, but I have to have 3.54's or something very close as this is a 20,000 mile a year daily driver. Am I fawked with the Eaton?

Call Randy's R&P. They carry 3.90's and 4.10's but that's not what you want.