powerrammaster

In a related post there was some mention of a dana 80 srw unit that is wider than a d70 srw. How much wider is it? (there was mention it was to accomodate aluminum rims on newer trucks.) What is involved on doing the swap as far as spring perches and driveshaft mating?

GLHS

Width depends on what year D80. I'll pop a wheel off and measure mine in a few minutes.
The perches are are the same width but are 3" wide. D70s are 2.5". I used the 2nd gen 4.5" blocks, axle/spring clamps and some new u-bolts. You can either mount your shocks to the D80 brackets and make a new mount on your frame or weld a mount to the D80 axle/spring clamps.
The axle tube is 4". Most D70s are 3.5". I think the D70 HD is 4".
Some guys get by without shortening the driveshaft. I shortened mine by about 3/4".

RollinCoalSmoke

GLHS what is your D80 out of?

apwatson50

Mine stuck each tire out about an extra 1.5-2". I also used the 2nd gen 4.5" blocks, axle/spring clamps and new u-bolts. I cut up the stock shock mount and welded it to the new bottom clamp for the shock mount. I also shortened the drive shaft, but I believe it was about 1.5", well however much longer the pinion is on the d80 then the d70. Also I believe that even the d70HD has 3.4" tubes.

oh and 9/16" wheel studs and outboard brakes are the bomb.

GLHS

I have a disk braked D80 from an 02.

It measured 14-1/4" from center of spring perch to the rotor flange (what the back of the rim mounts against).

99-02 should be the same.
Now someone needs to measure a 94-98 model.

powerrammaster

Thanks GLHS. I am looking for the widest possible as I have a 70 srw that has Arrowcraft adapters to make my truck a dually. What I want is the ability to switch between big single wheels or duallies depending on my mood. The 70 srw even with the adapters is still shy of filling the rear fenders width wise, so a couple more inches on both sides looks like it will work out, as I will be able to run a big single without removing the fenderettes. The added strength, and possibly being more available than trying to find a d70 pickup dually axle makes it that much more enticing.The I have disk rears on the truck now, and finding a late model with the same would be nice too. The only downfall is I am using the stock 6" blocks and the truck is lifted, so going to 4.5" will have to be dealt with.

apwatson50

Mine is a drum brake model, I think from a pre 98, but I am not certain.

GLHS

There is nothing wrong with using the 6" blocks again.
I did at first but swapped them because it was too high for my liking.

schamran

Why don't you just buy 2" wheel spacers?

faylorz

idk bout most ppl experience but mine has been terrible with spacers. used them on other vehicles numerous times and they always seem to crack or get ruined somehow idk maybe just my experience with um

GLHS

HINT HINT!!

Yes, quoting myself.

It would be good if someone could do this measurement on a D70 single and dual rear model too so we know what to look for.

Anyone?

powerrammaster

I can measure the single and a cab/chassis model later today, but I wish I had a pickup dually 70 to measure.

Schamran, I already have 3" spacers on there, and with the power I'll likely be pushin, I am afraid of breakage. I don't like rigging anything that has my life in it's hands. I would rather do it proper. If you saw the way it is setup you'd understand.The outer rim is barely over the end of the hub. If engineers thought they could have adapted a srw axle I'm sure they would have to please bean counters.

GLHS

Answering my own question.

Measured a srw D80 from a 1997 today and it was 13-3/8 inches from center of spring perch to wheel mounting surface against the drum. So almost a full inch (each side) narrower than my current D80.

Any 1st gen D70 measurements yet?

NO_SPRK

Ill measure my srw d70 tomorrow. I got a LOW MILE d80 drw for 200 so I couldn't pass it up. People complained about it being too wide but I run 265 75 16 on eagle "alcoa style" 8inch wide wheels and the tires fit in the fender wells with no room to spare. My d80 is out of a 97 and is drum

NO_SPRK

Plus I'm loving the 13x3.5 drums and shoes