71 K-10 Axel Replacement Question ?
 

Hope you all had a good Thanksgiving, I picked up my first 4x4 this summer, ripped the sheet metal off over the weekend to see what I have to work with. Both axels front and rear need to be replaced as well as the leaf springs. I plan on tearing the frame down to sand blast and repaint and start fresh. What do you guys suggest I look for, as far as a downer vehicle to replace the springs and axels ? Can you mount 3/4 ton springs and axels on a 1/2 ton K-10 frame ? Thanks in advance for any suggestions you guys can offer.....:metal:

Re: 71 K-10 Axel Replacement Question ?
 

A lot of these questions can be answered by accessing your goals.
Meaning, some things may take care of themselves. If you are going to lift it, you get new springs from that. Off-road or strictly street makes a difference in things like axles and traction devices. Engine swap or rebuild? Higher horsepower or closer to stock? Tire size? Budget?

Re: 71 K-10 Axel Replacement Question ?
 

Got my front springs and shocks for Around $300 from JC Whitney. It was a 4" lift from rough country or tuff country. JC Whitney always has a discount code floating around. It definatley rides a little rough but no worse than the worn out K20 springs. I then got new rears from summit. Those are a little pricey but I would highly recomend them over rear blocks, especially if you up the HP. Be warned that changing springs is about the most aggrevating thing you can do on the truck. As simple as they are the bolts always stick, holes never want to line up, and the are heavy! I did them by myself but having a good friend on hand is definatley worth a case of beer for this. I just did what you are talking about doing in a 2 1/2 week period other than suspension and floor pans. Suspension was easily the worstpart. Sand blasting was definatley numer two but the trucks new paint job sure is sexy!

Re: 71 K-10 Axel Replacement Question ?
 

Thanks for the advise ! I plan on starting on the rear first. Swapping in a later posi rear along with new leafs, shocks and bushings. Was looking at a Dana 70 out of a dodge with disc brakes ? Any one have experience with doing that swap ?....Thanks