Can I change out axles on this original C-20 rearend to convert to 5 lug C-10?

[BurlyCrew]

Like the title says can I change out this C-20 8 lug rearend with 5 lug for this C-10 conversion I'm doing?

Where and who may sell axles, ring & pinion, etc to maintain the use of my axle housing and suspension?

Thanks guys! :-)


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[john]

Simply replace with a 12bolt 1971-1972 1/2 ton 5 lug rearend.

[BurlyCrew]

I've been looking haven't found anything near me yet, even a 6 lug rear I can do a swap on, anything 67-71 I believe, I hear the axles got wider in 72? Looking for narrower rearend...
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[lolife99]

Originally Posted by BurlyCrew

I hear the axles got wider in 72? Looking for narrower rearend...
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6-lug axles got wider in the 1970 model year,... and the 71-72 model year for 5-lug.
Look for a 67-69 housing for the early, narrower, rearend.

[BurlyCrew]

Originally Posted by lolife99

6-lug axles got wider in the 1970 model year,... and the 71-72 model year for 5-lug.
Look for a 67-69 housing for the early, narrower, rearend.

Ahh ok that's what I'm after then, thanks
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[SS Tim]

The two axles are a completely different designs. The 8-lug is a full floating axle. That means the wheel is bolted to a hub that rides on two bearings that in turn ride on a housing extension (a spindle) that carries the weight. The axle is a seperate part that connects the hubs to the differential gears and provides drive force only. The 5-lug is a semi-floating axle. This means the wheel is attached directly to the end of the axle. The axle rides on a bearing inside the axle housing. In this case the axle mounts the wheel and carries all the loads in addition to drive force. A semi is considered a weaker design but is much cheaper, simpler and lighter. You really need to find a 5 or 6-lug semi-floating axle either a Chevy HO35 (12 bolt) or a much rarer Dana 44 found in some GM truck applicatons.

[BurlyCrew]

Have any idea where I might locate a housing to use ladder bars and all my suspension/width in same stock location?
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[SS Tim]

Try Wes up at Classic Heartbeat.