71 GMC 2500 axle/ xfr case questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

kpf · 07-12-2002, 11:57 AM

hey all,

Bought a 71 gmc 2500 custom a few weeks ago and being green to 4 wheel drive suspension I had a fewe questions.

How do I determine which axles (differentials) I have.
how do I tell if they are dana 44/60 or ?
How do I determine which transfer case I've got?

Got a great deal on the truck
straight body, 400 sm blk (would have liked a 350 though)
th350, great interioir, 6" lift, 35x12.5x16.5's, great whells and tires, headache rack, rails, steps

all for the low price of $3400

Just want to say that there are some great trucks on this site and thanks for all the great advice from everyone!!!

**JIMs70GMC** · 07-12-2002, 12:41 PM

If your axle is the original then it would be an open knuckle dana 44. Dana 60s were not available on GMs until 1977. As you look at the cover in the cast webing there will be a raised "44" or "60" cast into the third member. TC is a NP205 about the best you can have. If you have a 400 then it's not original to your truck. Largest SB available was a 350. BB not available in 4wd until later years.
Welcome to the board.

bouncytruck · 07-12-2002, 02:35 PM

Sounds like you got a nice truck there. Show us some photos.

If the engine & tranny aren't original, the t-case may not be either. (My '69 has a NP203 in it!) There should be a tag on the t-case that says if it is a NP205 (most likely it is). ColoradoK5.com has this handy axle identification page- http://coloradok5.com/axleguide.shtml

Blazer1970 · 07-12-2002, 02:47 PM

Jim's reply refers to the front axle, it will be a Dana 44. The rear could be a Dana 60, or more likely it is the Eaton drop out style. The Eaton has a big round cover with 10 bolts holding it on, and a Dana 60 looks like the Dana 44 in the front, only bigger.

kpf · 07-12-2002, 03:52 PM

hey thanks for the help everyone,

Figured out the front is a dana 44, reaer is a dana 60 and has the 205 xfr case.

I know the engine is not original but runs strong and seems to have plenty of torque. I will get pictures up when i take some.

Looking foward to having lots of fun in this truck and enjoying this website too.

Again thanks everyone

07-12-2002, 11:57 AM	#1
kpf Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Camas, Wa Posts: 58	71 GMC 2500 axle/ xfr case questions hey all, Bought a 71 gmc 2500 custom a few weeks ago and being green to 4 wheel drive suspension I had a fewe questions. How do I determine which axles (differentials) I have. how do I tell if they are dana 44/60 or ? How do I determine which transfer case I've got? Got a great deal on the truck straight body, 400 sm blk (would have liked a 350 though) th350, great interioir, 6" lift, 35x12.5x16.5's, great whells and tires, headache rack, rails, steps all for the low price of $3400 Just want to say that there are some great trucks on this site and thanks for all the great advice from everyone!!!

07-12-2002, 12:41 PM	#2
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	axle/tc If your axle is the original then it would be an open knuckle dana 44. Dana 60s were not available on GMs until 1977. As you look at the cover in the cast webing there will be a raised "44" or "60" cast into the third member. TC is a NP205 about the best you can have. If you have a 400 then it's not original to your truck. Largest SB available was a 350. BB not available in 4wd until later years. Welcome to the board. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

07-12-2002, 02:35 PM	#3
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	Sounds like you got a nice truck there. Show us some photos. If the engine & tranny aren't original, the t-case may not be either. (My '69 has a NP203 in it!) There should be a tag on the t-case that says if it is a NP205 (most likely it is). ColoradoK5.com has this handy axle identification page- http://coloradok5.com/axleguide.shtml __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

07-12-2002, 02:47 PM	#4
Blazer1970 Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Old Mission, MI, USA Posts: 2,510	Jim's reply refers to the front axle, it will be a Dana 44. The rear could be a Dana 60, or more likely it is the Eaton drop out style. The Eaton has a big round cover with 10 bolts holding it on, and a Dana 60 looks like the Dana 44 in the front, only bigger. __________________ Tim

07-12-2002, 03:52 PM	#5
kpf Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Camas, Wa Posts: 58	hey thanks for the help everyone, Figured out the front is a dana 44, reaer is a dana 60 and has the 205 xfr case. I know the engine is not original but runs strong and seems to have plenty of torque. I will get pictures up when i take some. Looking foward to having lots of fun in this truck and enjoying this website too. Again thanks everyone



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