rear axle swap

[dwlambert1701]

Wanting to pull the rear axle off my 63. Want year and model trucks can i pull off of to upgrade my rear axle. Basically i am wanting to convert to 5 lug with self adjusting drums. I have 283 SB and 350 Trans.

[Captainfab]

Are you wanting to change just the axles or the entire differential?

There are no factory axles that will slide into your '63 12 bolt to convert it to the 5 x 5" wheel stud pattern. There are aftermarket conversion axles, but you will also have to change the spider gears since you have a '63 12 bolt. That adds $100 to the conversion.

If you want to change the entire differential, the only bolt in is a '71 & '72 12 bolt. However, those use the short panhard bar, which will need either a different frame bracket, or a slight bend in the panhard bar. Be aware that the '71-'82 truck 12 bolts and '80-'87 10 bolts are 1.5" wider than your original 12 bolt. If you can't find a '71-'72 12 bolt, you can go with a '73-'87 10 or 12 bolt. That will require cutting and welding, plus making sure the pinion angle is correct.

[dwlambert1701]

Well I could stay with original, but I would like to convert to five lug and put the self adjusters on it. I have seen kits to convert over but it's like $500.

[Captainfab]

Another option would be to have your original axles plugged and machined to the 5 x 5" wheel stud pattern. But this should only be done if the wheel bearing surface of the axles are in very good condition. Then you can just change the drums and add the self adjuster hardware.

[dwlambert1701]

Ok let's just say I just stick with the six lug. I should be able to place the self adjusting hardware on the 63 drums?

[Captainfab]

I would think so.

[Greg63]

Originally Posted by dwlambert1701

Ok let's just say I just stick with the six lug. I should be able to place the self adjusting hardware on the 63 drums?

I did it on my '63.
I took the self adjusting hardware from a '65 I had and it was a simple conversion .
Greg.