eaton 1 ton

[damn_ford]

getting a good deal 60 front and an eaton 1 ton rear, ubolts, 15 8 lug rims, the works, for a grand so im snaggin em for my truck but...any input on the eaton? parts findable? axle seals are what im after for it at the moment

[Fraser]

i remember seeing that they have a limited aftermarket support, as in lockers, etc. i wouldn't think finding factory seals would be a problem

[Eroq]

Theres alot more of them being used now ... its the early GM 14bolt.. ive heard the 14bolt parts will fit in it

[betterbeaters]

I got one in my bogger and love it. you can get a detroit locker and all the seals last I knew!

[7387chevynut]

I got one myself, from a 1967 gmc 3/4 ton 4x4 with 5.13 gears. The Chevy Eaton (also called the HO52 axle) was used from late 50's to 1972.  It's a super strong full floating axle, and best part is, that its got a drop out carrier like a ford nine inch. Very few ratios were offered for the Eaton,  4.09, 4.57, 5.13.....that I know of.  The Eaton was available with a factory Detroit locker. The last I heard.........was that the detroit locker was discontinued for the Eaton........but maybe they came back out with it....I havent checked myself.

From What I've seen, very few parts are available for these, I know LMC truck sells brake parts for it, but the brake drums are quite expensive. I've never called a parts store yet to see whats available.  You just have to remember GM hasnt used this axle since 1972.............unlike the FF14 bolt which came out in the 73 models.............and is still used in current GM trucks.

I have been told that International harvester used the Eaton in some of its 60's early 70's 3/4 ton & 1ton pickups............so finding parts might not too difficult.

Compared to the 1ton 14 bolt.......the Eaton is about even in strength, The axle shaft spline is the old style course (thick) 17 spline.........while the 14 bolt is the standard 30 spline fine mesh. The brake drums are smaller compared to the 14 bolt. The Eaton's axle housing is cast/ tubeswelded, while the 14 bolts housing is cast and axle tubes pressed into the housing. I forget the ring gear diameter, but its gotta be 10 inch atleast.....if not larger.

If I had a Eaton under one of my trucks.................I wouldn't swap it out......thats for sure!!!