Gmc ho35

[bdshumaker]

OK, My mechanic opened up the diff and said the gears look OK but the bearings should be replaced as well as the cause of it all, incorrectly installed U joints which caused the driveshaft to wobble. So he needs to install new U joints, balance the shaft and install bearings. I've been looking through parts online and I'm seeing reference to HO35 2nd design, what's that? I also need a new pinion yoke and am having trouble finding one. Who is the go-to guys to get these parts?
Brian

[GMCDAC]

Hi BDShumaker,

The only part I can help with is in mid 1955 there was a complete truck design change and since there were 2 designs that year everything after mid 1955 was called 2nd design. I think they referred to the HO 33 and HO 35 from then up into the early or mid 60's as 2nd design differentials.

I got brake drums and shoes for my '55 2nd design and ebrake cables from LMC but a yoke could be a little tougher. Incidentally the u-joints for sure, and I think brake drums and shoes for my '55 are the same ones for my '70 GMC Jimmy with a 12 bolt. I measured the drums but I actually used u-joints for my Jimmy in my '55 driveshaft.

My point is a lot of years can interchange so you may not be stuck searching for one particular year of yoke.

DAC

[bdshumaker]

Hmmm,
On advice from the telephone guy at drivetrain.com, I ordered an "early" dana 44 rear end rebuild bearing master kit, Part# DTS28RMK and a 1310 U joint 26 spline yoke, Part# DTS-PT3104-03. I'm sure I got the right yoke but your comment has me wondering about the bearing set.

[GMCDAC]

Sounds like you contacted folks in the know! Glad you found your parts so quickly.

DAC

[BarryGMC]

You don't have a ho35. You have a dana 44. FYI ho35 first series is a torque tube rear and 2 nd design is a open driveline rear.

[bdshumaker]

Barry,
Hmmm, I thought the HO35 was the GMC term for the Dana 44. In any case, after talking with the tech guy I should have the correct parts coming. My diff does have "44" cast into it with an "A" in a circle and date stamp of 1963. Drivetrain.com out of Las Vegas seems to have just about everything one may need. I noticed they even have SM420 cases.

Brian