1962 gmc rearend swap?
 

Whats the easiest rearend to swap out for my old one off my 62 GMC? I dont care much about gear ratio. Just want 5 lugs instead of the 6. I dont have the option of redrilling. So looking for a newer year chevy to just swap out. What year should i go with?
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Re: 1962 gmc rearend swap?
 

73-87 12bolt I believe is your only option since 60-62 rears are wider than 63-72. you will need to weld on the trailing arm mount though...unless you have leaves now

Re: 1962 gmc rearend swap?
 

Is it a pretty straight swap if you have leaves? I have the 3spdOD tranny... Bed is off atm just curious if I can get in the 13>MPG range somehow.

Re: 1962 gmc rearend swap?
 

It still has the coil spings in back. Leave springs came in 63 i think.(not sure). So do you think it would be better to weld a bracket on the rearend and us u bolts to the trailing arm?
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Re: 1962 gmc rearend swap?
 

That's a Dana 44 rear, right? (being a GMC).
If you end up taking it out, I sure would be interested in one of the axle shafts!


-Brad

Re: 1962 gmc rearend swap?
 

Not sure what they are but willing to get with you and sell one to you if its what ya need. You want my number?
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Re: 1962 gmc rearend swap?
 

The '60 to early '70 1/2 ton pickup differentials are all 62" wide. The late '70-'87 1/2 ton differentials are 63.5" wide. So that will be .750" wider on each side. The '71-'87 differentials are the 5 x 5 wheel stud pattern. To install one under your '62, you will need to cut off the leaf spring perches, and the shock mounts. Then you will have to weld on the trailing arm mounts, and transfer the panhard bar mount from your Eaton HO32 currently under your truck. In doing this, you will want to be sure to get your pinion angle where it needs to be. Use your current differential for a reference.

Re: 1962 gmc rearend swap?
 

Any recomindation on the year i should go with? Im hitn up the junk yard. Are all they chevys gonna have the same yearend in those years?
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Re: 1962 gmc rearend swap?
 

Do what I am doing.

Yank those axels out, have a machine shop remove the wheel studs and re drill it to a 5 lug. Buy a pair of 71 rear drums 11" x 2" and new studs and replace the axel bearings and be happy.

Re: 1962 gmc rearend swap?
 

I hope to swap the 67 rearend that has 5 lug axles in it soon. I have the new axle pads, adjustable trac arm, ujoint, lowering springs and new spring hardware. As well as new wheel cylinders and brake hose. All that is missing is a welder

Re: 1962 gmc rearend swap?
 

The '63-'82 C10's had the 12 bolt. The '80-'87's had the 8.5" 10 bolt. There were a couple years of overlap there. Either one should work just fine in your truck. If you have a choice, I would get one that has the 11" x 2.750" brakes instead of the 11" x 2" brakes.