Dually Wheels--Teach me!

[Chuck73080]

Originally Posted by allchevy58

I paid $300.00 at a junkyard with the sway bar, I'd recommend getting that too. Sway bar links and all, bolts right in, just drill holes for the links to frame.

I sent you a PM.

[69 C10 LWB]

When I went looking for rims for my truck I used a set off of a square body. They were almost a direct fit. I drilled my factory hubs out and installed bigger studs. I used lug nuts with the outside threads so I could install late model plastic center caps. I also swapped my rear axle for a 14 bolt out of a 3/4 ton. The width was perfect for me because I narrowed my flatbed about a foot. My axle has 3.73 gears and is perfect for a cruiser. If I planned to tow a lot I’d probably pick 4.10s.

[69 C10 LWB]

I forgot to mention this but my axle is from a 73 GMC 2500, it is the full floating 14 bolt. I had to weld spring perches on but I was able to reuse the factory driveshaft. My original axle was the Eaton and it had 5.13 gears. The brakes seem to be a good match as well. Factory 73 rear drums and factory 65 front drums with a 69 c30(dual circuit) master cylinder.

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by 69 C10 LWB

When I went looking for rims for my truck I used a set off of a square body. They were almost a direct fit. I drilled my factory hubs out and installed bigger studs. I used lug nuts with the outside threads so I could install late model plastic center caps. I also swapped my rear axle for a 14 bolt out of a 3/4 ton. The width was perfect for me because I narrowed my flatbed about a foot. My axle has 3.73 gears and is perfect for a cruiser. If I planned to tow a lot I’d probably pick 4.10s.

Originally Posted by 69 C10 LWB

I forgot to mention this but my axle is from a 73 GMC 2500, it is the full floating 14 bolt. I had to weld spring perches on but I was able to reuse the factory driveshaft. My original axle was the Eaton and it had 5.13 gears. The brakes seem to be a good match as well. Factory 73 rear drums and factory 65 front drums with a 69 c30(dual circuit) master cylinder.

Thanks great info! Love your truck. I haven't found a rear end yet. Since I don't know much in the rear end department I always over think things and do tons of research. I am narrowing my flat bed too and it won't really be towing much...if I can find 3.73 gears I will go that route...all I have found so far are 4.10. Did you take your leaf springs out?

[69 C10 LWB]

I cut the u bolts and rolled the old axle out from under the truck and left the factory springs. I used tall jack stands in front of the axle to support the frame. I rolled the new axle under and welded the spring perches on once the axle was centered. I also used a digital angle gauge to make sure the pinion angles matched.

Pirate4x4.com has a 14 bolt bible that has all kinds of info. Cab and chassis axles are the narrowest, single rear wheel like I used are a little wider and dually pick up axles are the widest.

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by 69 C10 LWB

I cut the u bolts and rolled the old axle out from under the truck and left the factory springs. I used tall jack stands in front of the axle to support the frame. I rolled the new axle under and welded the spring perches on once the axle was centered. I also used a digital angle gauge to make sure the pinion angles matched.

Pirate4x4.com has a 14 bolt bible that has all kinds of info. Cab and chassis axles are the narrowest, single rear wheel like I used are a little wider and dually pick up axles are the widest.

Good info...now if I can find the right rear end...I will be in business! Would like to find something in the $300-400 range.

Does anyone think there is a resale market for the Eaton HO72?

[72cs20]

Here's my two cents worth.

If this truck is still sporting the 305 V6, don't pass up a good rear end if has 3.54 gears. The 65 GMC Suburban 4x4 with the V6, 4 speed and 3.54 gears that I used to have was very happy all around with that gearing.

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by 72cs20

Here's my two cents worth.

If this truck is still sporting the 305 V6, don't pass up a good rear end if has 3.54 gears. The 65 GMC Suburban 4x4 with the V6, 4 speed and 3.54 gears that I used to have was very happy all around with that gearing.

Yep...still has the 305e V6 with only 60k original miles! Did you have the SM420 trans in yours with the 3.54 gears??

[72cs20]

Originally Posted by roll_the_dice

Yep...still has the 305e V6 with only 60k original miles! Did you have the SM420 trans in yours with the 3.54 gears??

Yes it did.

[roll_the_dice]

I may have found a new dually rear end. It is a 14 bolt C&C dually with 4.10 gears. So the width is great at 63.5" WMS to WMS which is what my eaton is now. The price is right at $200. Should I continue to look for 3.73 or better gears...or do you think the 4.10 are going to be fine?

[cwcarpenter98]

If you have a tall enough tire, the 4.10s won't be too bad. Get the axle width you want, then if it needs a rebuild, you can change gears then too

[LostMy65]

Here's a rpm to tire size chart that might help.
Ideal is in the orange area. It's based on a 1:1 transmission. No OD.

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by cwcarpenter98

If you have a tall enough tire, the 4.10s won't be too bad. Get the axle width you want, then if it needs a rebuild, you can change gears then too

That's a good point...width and price are driving factors...easier to swap to a different ratio in a 14 bolt than the Eaton.

Originally Posted by LostMy65

Here's a rpm to tire size chart that might help.
Ideal is in the orange area. It's based on a 1:1 transmission. No OD.

Good info I have a muncie SM420 4 speed...so no OD.

[roll_the_dice]

I bought the 14 bolt for $150...should pick it up this weekend or next!

Now what is my Eaton HO72 with 5.13 gears worth? Will be listing it soon or on one of the rock crawler boards.

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by roll_the_dice

In my head I am going to do a cheap version of this...I love the rear fenders, so this is my vision.

That's one of my favorite dually flatbeds.
There's another that's not as nice, but I really like the flatbed down lower to the frame with the wheel wells rather than the bed being mounted high so the whole bed clears the wheels.

[LostMy65]

This isn't near as nice, but I think they look so cool with the bed mounted low to the frame.

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by roll_the_dice

I bought the 14 bolt for $150...should pick it up this weekend or next!

Now what is my Eaton HO72 with 5.13 gears worth? Will be listing it soon or on one of the rock crawler boards.

I kept my c20 eaton. I scrapped the pumpkin but hoped to make a dually trailer. Still haven't got around to it.

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

That's one of my favorite dually flatbeds.
There's another that's not as nice, but I really like the flatbed down lower to the frame with the wheel wells rather than the bed being mounted high so the whole bed clears the wheels.

I really like this flatbed as well. I may end up doing the flatbed over the 9 foot stepside...that's how much I like it! It is also my favorite flatbed truck I have seen.

Originally Posted by LostMy65

This isn't near as nice, but I think they look so cool with the bed mounted low to the frame.

I have seen that one as well. I love the color and the look, but like the other better.

Originally Posted by LostMy65

I kept my c20 eaton. I scrapped the pumpkin but hoped to make a dually trailer. Still haven't got around to it.

That's a good idea. I could turn the 9' stepside into a trailer! Hmmm I really like that idea a lot!!! Join my build thread over here...