Question about centering rear axle in wheel opening on 4x4 burb or panel.
 

Hi Gang,

Slowly working on my 68 3/4 ton 2wheel drive panel, mostly collecting the parts to convert this to 3/4 ton 4x4.

I have a factory 3/4 ton 4x4 frame from a 67 GMC (that was a rare find!) as well as a new 85 3/4 4x4 diesel suburban frame.

I can tell on my 2wd panel, that the rear axle is not centered, but was wondering about the leaf spring rear axles. Are they slightly forward too?

I will be changing springs and axles (using all of the hardware/running gear from the 85 burb) so some cutting and welding will be involved. Has any of you relocated your rear axle/Springs on the frame to center the rear wheels in the wheel opening?

Also anyone have a direct side shot of your 4x4 panel/burb that you can post? I am finding lots of pictures, but none are a direct side shot.

Thanks!!!!

Re: Question about centering rear axle in wheel opening on 4x4 burb or panel.
 

I can't really offer much to answer your questions, but here are some side shots of my '72 K2500. It has rearched springs with 2-3" of lift, and 33x12.5/16.5s.

Re: Question about centering rear axle in wheel opening on 4x4 burb or panel.
 

Rear wheel - 1968 K20 Suburban
16.5 wheel, 33" tall tire.

Re: Question about centering rear axle in wheel opening on 4x4 burb or panel.
 

Cool pictures Guys. It kinda looks like 4x4 axles sit a little forward as well. I am banking on that it is safe to use the measurements from my 2 wheel drive panel to find center and move the 4x4 axle back just a little bit to be centered (to top of wheel opening).

Let the fun begin.

Re: Question about centering rear axle in wheel opening on 4x4 burb or panel.
 

I'm also doing a 4x4 conversion on my 68 Burb. I'm also converting the rear to leaf springs. My plan is to measure 127" from the center of the front hub to figure out my rear axle placement.

Re: Question about centering rear axle in wheel opening on 4x4 burb or panel.
 

When I swapped a 14 bolt into my burb I used spring perches with offset pin holes to move the axle back 1". I also did the same thing on the front with a zero rate block welded to the perch. This picture is old and not quite straight on, but you can see how the tires are much closer to centered than stock.
http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/...0/IMG_3065.jpg