replace or update rearend? 1972 F-252, 4x2

[Kurt Combs]

I have a leaking seal in the right rear wheel area. Previous owner said he had the axel seal surface ground down and just replaced the seal when it started leaking badly again. My solution was going to be to change out the whole rear-end with a used unit. I just went to the transmission shop to have him service the transmission and he suggested changing the unit for a later one. He said the leak is a design problem and the solution is to get a rear-end with full floating axles and reposition the mounting perches/pads. He was aware of the possibility of grinding the surface, but said it was a temporary fix. I read in this column that the newer rear-ends are wider by 4" and I am not crazy about modifying a vehicle to a great extent. I can probably get a complete rear axle for around $300 in the local wrecking yard. I was a welder for 12 years, so I am not concerned about relocating the mounting pads on a newer axle housing. However, I would prefer stock to modified.

What are everyone's thoughts and experiences with this situation? Also, does a 4x4 rear axel housing directly replace a 4x2 rear axel housing?

Thanks in advance, Kurt

[72hiboy4x4]

Well, I put a '71 F250 2wd rear Dana 60 under my '72 F-250 4x4, so it will fit, as long as the perches are the same. You might have to dig up a set of u-bolts.
Then I pulled that for a '71 F-350's 2wd Dana 70. that is not a direct fit. the stock D-60 U-bolts are too small and I had to modify a set of U-bolt pads for mine to fit correctly. (but I ended tossing the pads I got with the D-70 - don't do that! they might fit correctly )

[FORDification]

Yes, a 4x4 and 2WD rearend will interchange, the truck doesn't know the difference.

I would think just bolting in a replacement Dana 60 from any '67-'72 would be the easiest way. You can also use an F250 4x4 Dana 60 from a '73 thru '77-1/2, since the framerail spacing remained narrow on those trucks, so you wouldn't have to mess with relocating the spring pads.

[Kurt Combs]

Thanks for the responses!

I have decided to stick with the original. I bought a whole rear-end out of a 1972 3/4 ton with 3:54 ratio. My truck has 3:73 now. Hopefully I will get a little better mileage with the higher gears.

Thanks again,

Kurt

ps. Readers, don't forget to bid on the seat tracks that I have listed in the auction forum. You might need a spare set for that next truck that you are going to put a later model seat in. All $$$ goes to Fordification.com.