Rear axle swap question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

lts70 · 09-02-2021, 08:49 PM

I found a five lug 12 bolt rear end in a trailer that was made out of a 1983 diesel 1/2 ton. This trailer is a leaf spring set up. I am wanting to put it in my boys 1968 three-quarter ton coil spring truck. My friend is willing to switch me axles if I swap them out.

Would this axle be the correct width?

How much cutting and welding would be needed to swap these?

Can I just cut off the perches and swap them or will I need to buy anything new?

Here’s a picture of the 12 bolt coming out of the trailer.

**Grumpy old man** · 09-02-2021, 09:15 PM

Whats wrong with the one in the 68 ?

lts70 · 09-02-2021, 09:17 PM

Trying to convert it from three-quarter ton eight lug to five lug half ton.

gmc684x4 · 09-03-2021, 12:23 AM

The width will be the same as 71 72 5 bolt axle setup

I think captain fab on the board makes a kit for the swap and I do know western chassis does make a kit for this swap as well

I was looking at there kit as i can get better shipping price to Canada through summit racing

I was looking at that option until I picked up a couple 67 72 12 bolt diffs

**pjmoreland** · 09-03-2021, 02:03 AM

That '83 axle is missing the panhard bar mount. I'm not sure what it would take to add it.

Edit:
I see that the kit from Western Chassis comes with the panhard bar mount.

https://westernchassis.com/1963-72-C...onversion-Kit/

**HO455** · 09-04-2021, 12:26 PM

The newer axle is approximately 1 1/2" wider than the original, which may or may not be a problem depending on what wheels you go with. I have the wider axle under my 67.

09-02-2021, 08:49 PM	#1
lts70 1970 Daily Driver Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Glenns Ferry IDAHO Posts: 1,038	Rear axle swap question I found a five lug 12 bolt rear end in a trailer that was made out of a 1983 diesel 1/2 ton. This trailer is a leaf spring set up. I am wanting to put it in my boys 1968 three-quarter ton coil spring truck. My friend is willing to switch me axles if I swap them out. Would this axle be the correct width? How much cutting and welding would be needed to swap these? Can I just cut off the perches and swap them or will I need to buy anything new? Here’s a picture of the 12 bolt coming out of the trailer. Attached Images __________________ It's not truly yours if you didn't build it yourself or if you don't do your own maintenance.

09-02-2021, 09:15 PM	#2
Grumpy old man Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Gods country East,Tn Posts: 8,545	Re: Rear axle swap question Whats wrong with the one in the 68 ? __________________ 1967 Factory short bed - Old school '71 - 350 / 4bolt / 487 heads / Edelbrock C3BX Muncie M-22 4 speed / Hurst Comp plus Factory 12 bolt posi 3.73 / 255-70-15 Smoothed firewall / Factory cowl induction Power disc brakes / power steering / 3.5-5" drop

09-02-2021, 09:17 PM	#3
lts70 1970 Daily Driver Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Glenns Ferry IDAHO Posts: 1,038	Re: Rear axle swap question Trying to convert it from three-quarter ton eight lug to five lug half ton. __________________ It's not truly yours if you didn't build it yourself or if you don't do your own maintenance.

09-03-2021, 12:23 AM	#4
gmc684x4 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Whitehorse yukon Posts: 1,218	Re: Rear axle swap question The width will be the same as 71 72 5 bolt axle setup I think captain fab on the board makes a kit for the swap and I do know western chassis does make a kit for this swap as well I was looking at there kit as i can get better shipping price to Canada through summit racing I was looking at that option until I picked up a couple 67 72 12 bolt diffs

09-03-2021, 02:03 AM	#5
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 6,039	Re: Rear axle swap question That '83 axle is missing the panhard bar mount. I'm not sure what it would take to add it. Edit: I see that the kit from Western Chassis comes with the panhard bar mount. https://westernchassis.com/1963-72-C...onversion-Kit/

09-04-2021, 12:26 PM	#6
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 11,410	Re: Rear axle swap question The newer axle is approximately 1 1/2" wider than the original, which may or may not be a problem depending on what wheels you go with. I have the wider axle under my 67. __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377



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