Narrowing the rear end

[chevy72blu]

I am running a 14.5" wide tire in the rear on a 10" wheel (dont have the BS #'s with me, but im sure I can find them), and a GM 8 7/8" 12 bolt. The rear is out of a 73-87 3/4ton (I believe). I have already gone through it with gears/LSD.

My current set up works fine- but my tires stick out about an inch and a half, maybe 2" from the lip of the fender.


What all is involved in narrowing the rear? Doesn't seem like it would be too hard to pull the drums, remove my axles, throw the thing on a long steel band saw (my dad's company has one),make a jig to hold it level, section out 1.5-2" on each side, re-weld, and gusset it. I would make the cuts based on available upgraded axle lengths, and then put the thing back together. Of course I would have to get it 100% strait before re-welding it- I imagine this is where the danger is. If I can, I'd like to not have to mess with my fender wells, and I think I have enough room to do it. If not, Ill buy some aftermarket steel tubs and weld them in, mine are pretty dented up anyway.

I have to pull the rear out anyway when I start making my trailing arm setup.

Where is the best place to make the cuts? Inside, middle or outside?

Thanks for the help guys!