Dana70 or the GM/Eaton HO72??

Ok, so the truck I just bought in July came with an extra rear axle. Since I've been thinking about buying a Dana 70 next week, I thought I should identify what I already own. Looks like an HO52 or HO72. Hoping to clean it up after work today to be sure. I'm leaning a little more towards the Dana because the tires and front axle are also available to me from the same seller. Plus it seems to be a later model than the HO. I dont mud, or race, or compete. Just want a nice '47 dually to cruise around town in, maybe go down the highway once in a while....
I'll consider that most people on these forums are quite opinionated and have their own preferences. But, as a novice axle student, I need all the intel I can get....
BillyD in StA

What do you want to know or do with the HO? Regearing it will be tough. Most came with deep gears so depending on what kind of engine, Trans and desired cruising rpm your shooting for that could be a problem. Allot came with detroits. They are notoriously tough. Disc setups can be made similar to a 14 bolt. With their steel housing link suspensions are easy to mount.

I may have a Dana 70 next week, for 2oo bucks.. But, this HO came as an extra, tossed in with '47 I just bought. Asking which might be better for just casual driving, under the speed limit? which will serve me better?

The D70 is probably more modern but I would go witch ever has the correct ratio. Nothing wrong with the HO.

the Dana seller says it's a 4:88. The Ford service manual implies what I have under the truck now(the original) could be a 6:67... and I haven't yet counted the teeth on the HO, which I guess I should get to today after work. yes, I'm leaning towards the Dana and just hang on to the HO for the future....
thanks for writing, John!!