64 chevy rear end swap

[Ryguy442]

hi guys im looking at buying a 64 shortbed stepside. theres a few issues with the rear end I would like to swap the whole rear axle. what rearends work? iv hear 70-81 Camaro ones work. the truck is already converted to 5 lug and id like to match the bolt pattern. thanks guys!

Ryan

[LostMy65]

Welcome to the forums.
There is so much information here that it can sometimes be difficult to find answers.
There is a FAQ's Stickied up top.
Lots of help for beginners.
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Most will swap in another 12-bolt from a similar generation gm truck.
Obviously, going to a different model or generation vehicle will require some fabrication.
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Now, others here will be more 'read up' than I, but you also have to consider the width of the axle. Are you going to put discs up front? Then you're going to perhaps have to consider what width you will end up with in the front.
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So, if some things on your truck have already been upgraded, you may need to take some measurements of what you have to better know what will work for a different rear.

[Ryguy442]

The front has already been converted to disc brakes. I just wanted to find something with a similar width and bolt pattern. I do metal fab for a living so welding on brackets and stuff is no biggy

[Clyde65]

If you have a 5 on 5 front disc, then you want the same for rear, car rears won't be 5on5. Get a 71-87 1/2 ton 12 bolt and remove the leaf spring mounts. Get with Captn fab in the forum and buy some trailing arm mounts. Done

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by Clyde65

If you have a 5 on 5 front disc, then you want the same for rear, car rears won't be 5on5. Get a 71-87 1/2 ton 12 bolt and remove the leaf spring mounts. Get with Captn fab in the forum and buy some trailing arm mounts. Done

With that little piece of added information he gave, I agree with you.

[Chevy Fleetside]

Try and find a Rear End out of a 71 or 72. Bolt in no fab work.
I was lucky to find two of them.

[Ryguy442]

Yeah I'm on the lookout for a 71-72 rearend. I do have a 83 c10 rearend worse case I could use that

[LostMy65]

What's the gearing on that 83?
If it's a good gear for what you want to do, Captain's trailing arm saddles will be all you should need.

[Ryguy442]

I'm not sure I'll have to check on that gear ratio

[PGSigns]

You will also need to get a track bar that mounts to the trailing arm. The later 12 bolt wont have the tab on it to use the old one.
Jimmy

[Ryguy442]

Thanks for the help guys! I'm searching for a 71-72 rearend now but worse case I'll use the one I got already