Please help!!!!! Axles? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BADPURPLE70CHEVY · 09-07-2009, 05:25 PM

I have a 70 chevy i am switching to 5 lug. I have got the axles for the rear out of a 71 chevy 2wd. Anyone know what is the length of the 70 axles and is that the only size they come with? I dont have my 70 chevy ones out thats why i wannan know.When you measure where do you measure from-to. I know there both 30 spline. please clarify for me.

unclewatts · 09-08-2009, 04:19 AM

ttt

JimKshortstep4x4 · 09-08-2009, 05:47 AM

The 70 trucks were equipped with two length axles as it was the change year. Some of the 70 differentials had the same length axles as the 71 and some were 3/4" shorter.

My suggestion would be to pull your axles and compare the lengths. Since you want to go with (5) lugs anyway, you can have your axles drilled while they are out if they are the shorter ones.

Both 70 and 71 12 bolt axles will have 30 splines.

Jim

jorgensensc · 09-08-2009, 09:27 AM

I agree with the above statement. I have some further input though. When I was going to get my 6 lug '68 axles redrilled it was going to cost almost the same as new axles. They said they had to bake them to get rid of all the oils, then weld the old holes, then do something else, etc etc, and they still wouldn't warranty them from failure due to the age.
I ended up buying Moser axles from Summit with new bearings, etc. I think they were a little over 300 shipped to my door. I also had them drill them for both 5 on 5 and 5 on 4 3/4 bolt pattern (I had different intentions at the time). Now I have new axles, bearings, and multiple bolt pattern, which makes buying wheels easier when looking for used.

If the axles you bought are the right length, then great, use them. But I encourage you DO NOT use them if they are longer. Some will say you can use a different backing plate and they will work, however the part of the axle that rides on the bearings will not be the hardened section that is made to do so and can fail.
It wouldn't be fun losing an axle a70 mph on the freeway. Even if you make out okay and your truck isn't damaged, you still have to think about what that free flying axle can do to others in their cars and their families.
Hope this helps a little.
Shawn

09-07-2009, 05:25 PM	#1
BADPURPLE70CHEVY 406 Powered Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: waynesville,n.c. Posts: 877	Please help!!!!! Axles? I have a 70 chevy i am switching to 5 lug. I have got the axles for the rear out of a 71 chevy 2wd. Anyone know what is the length of the 70 axles and is that the only size they come with? I dont have my 70 chevy ones out thats why i wannan know.When you measure where do you measure from-to. I know there both 30 spline. please clarify for me. __________________ 70 GMC 68 c10 2002 silverado 72 4x4

09-08-2009, 04:19 AM	#2
unclewatts 70 Chevrolet=Obsession Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: nice ca Posts: 1,067	Re: Please help!!!!! Axles? ttt __________________ I'm Just like my truck. Old, Ugly and Grouchy. Except my truck starts easily in the morning and doesn't smoke! IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN! -Kermit the frog 1970 Chevrolet C-10 Longbed Stepside : 350, Muncie M20, 3.08 GM corp. positraction Forest green exterior/light green interior(Where all my money goes) 1996 Toyota Corolla (Parts runner)

09-08-2009, 05:47 AM	#3
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Re: Please help!!!!! Axles? The 70 trucks were equipped with two length axles as it was the change year. Some of the 70 differentials had the same length axles as the 71 and some were 3/4" shorter. My suggestion would be to pull your axles and compare the lengths. Since you want to go with (5) lugs anyway, you can have your axles drilled while they are out if they are the shorter ones. Both 70 and 71 12 bolt axles will have 30 splines. Jim __________________ 1971 Shortbox step side 4x4, 350 sbc, 3:07 rear end 1965 Impala SS 400 sbc, Muncie rock crusher 1966 Impala SS 396 bbc, TH 400 1969 El Camino, 350 sbc, TH 350 1971 Snowplow built on a Blazer frame 1972 GMC Short bed, stepside, TH 400, 427 BBC

09-08-2009, 09:27 AM	#4
jorgensensc Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Cypress, Tx Posts: 4,005	Re: Please help!!!!! Axles? I agree with the above statement. I have some further input though. When I was going to get my 6 lug '68 axles redrilled it was going to cost almost the same as new axles. They said they had to bake them to get rid of all the oils, then weld the old holes, then do something else, etc etc, and they still wouldn't warranty them from failure due to the age. I ended up buying Moser axles from Summit with new bearings, etc. I think they were a little over 300 shipped to my door. I also had them drill them for both 5 on 5 and 5 on 4 3/4 bolt pattern (I had different intentions at the time). Now I have new axles, bearings, and multiple bolt pattern, which makes buying wheels easier when looking for used. If the axles you bought are the right length, then great, use them. But I encourage you DO NOT use them if they are longer. Some will say you can use a different backing plate and they will work, however the part of the axle that rides on the bearings will not be the hardened section that is made to do so and can fail. It wouldn't be fun losing an axle a70 mph on the freeway. Even if you make out okay and your truck isn't damaged, you still have to think about what that free flying axle can do to others in their cars and their families. Hope this helps a little. Shawn __________________ 1972 C20 Suburban- Big Blue Betty '56 Chevy Bel Air Sedan- Frame up Restoration -What would you attempt to achieve if you knew you could not fail?- -I Refuse To Tiptoe Through Life, Only To Arrive Safely At Death's Door- R.I.P. EAST SIDE LOW LIFE

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