Help. 1971 C10 4x4. What is the bar under the front differential?
 

I went to see a C10 today and saw this bar running horizontally under the front differential and connected to the knuckles on each side. It split in the middle to cradle the differential flange. It seemed like a support. I had never seen anything like it but I have a 1972 Blazer. Is this stock or what is it? Thanks. Micah

Re: Help. 1971 C10 4x4. What is the bar under the front differential?
 

Not a C10 but a K10 (4x4) If vin points to C10 it is a put together truck. That is called an axle truss. It meant to reinforce the axle and prevent bending of the axle tubes. Yours looks a little bent on the drivers side. Hard to tell but also looks to be somewhat of a custom job as the end mounts appear to be welded to the axle tube.

Re: Help. 1971 C10 4x4. What is the bar under the front differential?
 

Yep, axle truss. And old school accessory. Yours must have bottomed out on a rock or other object that didn't gine

Re: Help. 1971 C10 4x4. What is the bar under the front differential?
 

Thank you both. You are correct it’s a K10. I had never seen anything like it. It wasn’t mine. It was for sale and coming from my 1972 Blazer I just thought it didn’t look right and it was bent. Axle truss. Very interesting. I wonder if these came stock or were an aftermarket add on. Thanks again.

Re: Help. 1971 C10 4x4. What is the bar under the front differential?
 

The hard core 4 wheelers used those back in the day. Most just had them because it made them look hard core.
My neighbor had one on his mid 70's GMC and his never left the blacktop.

Re: Help. 1971 C10 4x4. What is the bar under the front differential?
 

They are aftermarket/home made. Hickey was one of the really well know aftermarket manufacturers of them back in the day.