Dana 70: How different are they over the years?

[two-bit]

Hello all, have the possibility of getting a Dana 70 w/ Power lock for the price of.... haul it away. However it came out of a '80's Dodge i believe.
Would the center in that one be the same as the center in my '72 F-350 Dana 70 rear end?
I know i will have to change the ring and pinion to get my original gears back. Not sure if it will bolt into my housing correctly. Can't use the other housing cause its bent.
Not sure if i'm asking the right question.
How about, can i take the "open" carrier i have in my housing right now, remove it, and put a Power lock carrier out of a mid eighties housing in there. Still using my old ring and pinion on the "new" carrier.
Everyone confused? I almost am.
Thanks
Two-bit

[averagef250]

Don't see why not. A dana 70 is a dana 70. Make sure the gear ratios are within the same carrier break. most 73 and up 70s are 35 spline many of the older ones are 23 spline or other odd duck splines.

[two-bit]

Well...turns out the Dodge is a 35 spline, and mine is a 23 spline. I can't use his axles cause one is bent, so maybe i could swap the axle gears from my open carrier to the Power lock carrier? I hope?
Anybody know?
Otherwise i will go in search of another axle at my local boneyard.
Thanks
Two-bit

[averagef250]

Sure you can't straighten the bent axle? Even though the housing may be bent badly, the axles can be in good shape. They may not swap because of width or differential offset though. Powerlock side gears are far diferent from anything else. 35 spline 60 or 70 powerlock side gears also have a larger cup underneath them than the lesser spline count units. You can swap them if you find 23 spline side gears and cups, but that may not be so easy. Likely not nearly as easy as finding 35 spline shafts for your axle.

[two-bit]

Me thinks i will look for 35 spline axles.
Thanks for the info.
Two-bit