rear ends - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**michael bustamante** · 10-17-2007, 12:57 PM

Ok guys here`s a question for you. I was given a 1960 long wide 3/4 ton rolling chassis. 1st; how hard is it to convert the torsion bar suspension from 3/4 ton drum to half ton disc? ( possably using 1972 A arms and spindles) 2nd; what gear ratios were available in the 1960 3/4 ton rear end? ANY info is relly going to help so thanks in advance. Mike

jchav62 · 10-17-2007, 04:12 PM

I'm not sure if the frame widths from a half ton to a 3/4 ton are the same. If it is the same, what you can do is use the front suspension from a 73-87 truck. That's what I have on my 62. My truck has a rearend from a 72.

**Captainfab** · 10-17-2007, 04:27 PM

I've not done a suspension swap like this on a '60-'62, so I don't have any detailed info for you. At a minimum you will need to change the A-arms, but I don't know if the '60 crossmember can accomodate a coil spring. You may have to change the crossmember also. Then of course there is steering to deal with also....tie rods, idler arm, etc. Might also be a good time to upgrade to power steering also. You can use parts for any of this from '71 to '87 GM pickups.

Concerning the rear end ratios available in the Eaton HO72, the most common one that I've found is 4.57. The 4.10's were also available, and I'm not sure what else. I haven't been able to find a source for aftermarket parts for the rears, such as gears, lockers, etc. If you by chance have a Dana 60 rear end (not very commom) you have more to choose from in aftermarket parts available.

rodnok1 · 10-17-2007, 06:44 PM

There are some changes between 60 and 64+ frames/suspension. I would do some searches here about it. Some things interchange and some will not work.

62ChevyStep · 10-18-2007, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jchav62

I'm not sure if the frame widths from a half ton to a 3/4 ton are the same. If it is the same, what you can do is use the front suspension from a 73-87 truck. That's what I have on my 62. My truck has a rearend from a 72.

Ditto on what jchav62 said, I did a 86' chevy 1/2 ton front (spindle to spindle) on mine with a 72' 3.73 posi rear (1/2 ton truck). 350/700r4 on my 62'.

jchav62 · 10-18-2007, 09:26 AM

I used to have a posi rearend too, til I broke the carrier. Now I have a 3.73 peg-legger...Until I find another posi carrier to put back in... Nice to see New Mexicans on here...

**michael bustamante** · 10-18-2007, 11:49 AM

thanks for your help guys. I knew you `d come thru for me. I got access to a 72 front end and a 3.73 posi. neighbor Joe C, should I use the front crossmember also when converting the front end to 1/2 ton disc or can I just switch spindles and keep the torsion bar suspension? Also guys thanks for the rear end info. what should I look for to see if its a dana? Someone told me it was.

62ChevyStep · 10-18-2007, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michael bustamante

should I use the front crossmember also when converting the front end to 1/2 ton disc or can I just switch spindles and keep the torsion bar suspension? Also guys thanks for the rear end info. what should I look for to see if its a dana? Someone told me it was.

I would personally do a complete crossmember swap (spindle to spindle) IMO easier, more cost effective down the road (matching year parts etc).

For rear end ID, this site helps: http://coloradok5.com/axleguide.shtml

OH yeah -

62ChevyStep · 10-18-2007, 12:37 PM

I agree, good to see more of US popping up on the radar.

**michael bustamante** · 10-18-2007, 02:58 PM

Sounds like a plan. So i got my winter project now. Kiss my garage space goodbye. thanks portales 62 chevystep. appreciate it

62ChevyStep · 10-18-2007, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michael bustamante

Sounds like a plan. So i got my winter project now. Kiss my garage space goodbye. thanks portales 62 chevystep. appreciate it

No Problem, always glad when I can be of assistance, always better than trying to reinvent the wheel. Don't hesitate to post ANY questions as everyone on here is more than willing to share information.

Sequoyah · 10-19-2007, 11:28 AM

one more NM person to add to the list...we should have a meet next spring or fall ----->when my truck will be ready!

We could do a drive on 14 or through Valle Calderas or something

**michael bustamante** · 10-19-2007, 11:47 AM

good idea. a bunch of roaring Chevy trucks going thru the Jemez. I love it

10-17-2007, 12:57 PM	#1
michael bustamante Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Albuquerque NM Posts: 7,862	rear ends Ok guys here`s a question for you. I was given a 1960 long wide 3/4 ton rolling chassis. 1st; how hard is it to convert the torsion bar suspension from 3/4 ton drum to half ton disc? ( possably using 1972 A arms and spindles) 2nd; what gear ratios were available in the 1960 3/4 ton rear end? ANY info is relly going to help so thanks in advance. Mike __________________ 1967custom

10-17-2007, 04:12 PM	#2
jchav62 1962 C-10 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Las Vegas, New Mexico Posts: 4,978	Re: rear ends I'm not sure if the frame widths from a half ton to a 3/4 ton are the same. If it is the same, what you can do is use the front suspension from a 73-87 truck. That's what I have on my 62. My truck has a rearend from a 72. __________________ Joseph Chavez "See the USA in a Chevrolet!!" ......................_____ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(O)___//___/__(O)_/ 1962 C10 Shortbed Fleetside 327/th350 GV overdrive 1974 C10 Longbed Fleetside 350/th350 "The Trash Truck" 1999 Chevy 2500 OBS, Longbed 5.7/4L80E 4x4 2015 GMC Sierra SLE 1500 4x4

10-17-2007, 04:27 PM	#3
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,252	Re: rear ends I've not done a suspension swap like this on a '60-'62, so I don't have any detailed info for you. At a minimum you will need to change the A-arms, but I don't know if the '60 crossmember can accomodate a coil spring. You may have to change the crossmember also. Then of course there is steering to deal with also....tie rods, idler arm, etc. Might also be a good time to upgrade to power steering also. You can use parts for any of this from '71 to '87 GM pickups. Concerning the rear end ratios available in the Eaton HO72, the most common one that I've found is 4.57. The 4.10's were also available, and I'm not sure what else. I haven't been able to find a source for aftermarket parts for the rears, such as gears, lockers, etc. If you by chance have a Dana 60 rear end (not very commom) you have more to choose from in aftermarket parts available. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

10-17-2007, 06:44 PM	#4
rodnok1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Linden, North Carolina Posts: 617	Re: rear ends There are some changes between 60 and 64+ frames/suspension. I would do some searches here about it. Some things interchange and some will not work. __________________ 64 Panel Rebuild Pics Clutch Replacement and Borg Warner T10 Trans Rebuild 64 Panel 1/2 Ton 350cubes/400hp BorgWarner t-10 3:73 Auburn Posi

10-18-2007, 09:26 AM	#6
jchav62 1962 C-10 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Las Vegas, New Mexico Posts: 4,978	Re: rear ends I used to have a posi rearend too, til I broke the carrier. Now I have a 3.73 peg-legger...Until I find another posi carrier to put back in... Nice to see New Mexicans on here... __________________ Joseph Chavez "See the USA in a Chevrolet!!" ......................_____ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(O)___//___/__(O)_/ 1962 C10 Shortbed Fleetside 327/th350 GV overdrive 1974 C10 Longbed Fleetside 350/th350 "The Trash Truck" 1999 Chevy 2500 OBS, Longbed 5.7/4L80E 4x4 2015 GMC Sierra SLE 1500 4x4

10-18-2007, 11:49 AM	#7
michael bustamante Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Albuquerque NM Posts: 7,862	Re: rear ends thanks for your help guys. I knew you `d come thru for me. I got access to a 72 front end and a 3.73 posi. neighbor Joe C, should I use the front crossmember also when converting the front end to 1/2 ton disc or can I just switch spindles and keep the torsion bar suspension? Also guys thanks for the rear end info. what should I look for to see if its a dana? Someone told me it was. __________________ 1967custom Last edited by michael bustamante; 10-18-2007 at 11:55 AM.

10-18-2007, 12:37 PM	#9
62ChevyStep Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Portales, NM Posts: 359	Re: rear ends I agree, good to see more of US popping up on the radar. __________________ ________________________ 62' 3.5/5 drop SWB Fleet, PS, PB-Dsk/Drm,350/700R4 08' Chevrolet Silverado CrewCab 05'Toyota Tacoma Prerunner SR5 Last edited by 62ChevyStep; 10-18-2007 at 12:37 PM.

10-18-2007, 02:58 PM	#10
michael bustamante Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Albuquerque NM Posts: 7,862	Re: rear ends Sounds like a plan. So i got my winter project now. Kiss my garage space goodbye. thanks portales 62 chevystep. appreciate it __________________ 1967custom

10-19-2007, 11:28 AM	#12
Sequoyah so easy a caveman can do it... Join Date: May 2006 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 419	Re: rear ends one more NM person to add to the list...we should have a meet next spring or fall ----->when my truck will be ready! We could do a drive on 14 or through Valle Calderas or something

10-19-2007, 11:47 AM	#13
michael bustamante Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Albuquerque NM Posts: 7,862	Re: rear ends good idea. a bunch of roaring Chevy trucks going thru the Jemez. I love it __________________ 1967custom



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