suggestions for a 63 c10 rear axle rebuild

[jskeezy84]

I have a 63 c10 with a 12 bolt rear. I havent started digging into it just yet but judging from the rest of the truck I am more than certain the rear is shot. The housing looks to be good. I was thinking I could buy an 5 lug axle conversion kit and a posi trac unit and just reuse the housing to save some cash. Do they make posi trac units for the 63 12 bolts with 17 spline? or do I use a new model posi trac unit with newer axles in the 63 housing? or should I just cut my loses and switch to a 72 rear and upgrade to posi trac? My plans are an base model LS motor so the rear doesn't need to be able to handle a whole lot.

[jdl71]

What makes you think the rear is shot by looking at the rest of the truck? That's usually one of the most durable items.

When you change the differential to posi, get new 30 spline side gears and that will eliminate the 17 spline axle issue. You can then get 5 bolt axles.

[jskeezy84]

i think its shot. i jack the rear up and the drive shaft spins about 20 degrees before catching and spinning a wheel, seems like alot of play plus i could pull the wheels in and out a little bit like the axles could slide. didnt realize that you could change the splines that easily.

[Captainfab]

I would just rebuild the 12 bolt you have. The only drawback to the '63 12 bolt is that you will be stuck with drum brakes since the backing plates are pressed on. That's only an issue for some people.