Differences in a 72 4wd and 2wd rear end - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**leddzepp** · 07-20-2011, 02:20 PM

Is there any difference between a 72 rear end from a 2wd truck and a 4wd truck, other than 2wd being coil sprung and the 4wd being leaf sprung? I am looking at buying a rear end from a 72 4wd truck to swap into my 72 2wd truck. I know the 4wd has six lugs, but I am thinking I can swap my 5 lug axles into it because they should be the same length. If so, how hard is it to convert from leaf spring to coil spring perches? Thanks in advance.

**Classic Bowties** · 07-20-2011, 02:59 PM

Hi Scott, sounds like you have a pretty good understanding already on what is different. When talking 71-72 leaf to leaf rear end swaps, the C/K series rears had different spring pad widths, except for the longhorns which are a direct match on the spring pad width to the factory K rears.

When talking leaf to coil rear swaps, the main issue is going to be the cutting/grinding/welding of the spring pads & converting over to the trailing arm type angled mounts. You will also need to add a super track bar kit also since there is no provision on the leaf rears for a track bar, since the K rear is a 72, your 5 lug axles (if oe) will slide right into that 12 bolt K housing & diff. Mel

gcburdic · 07-20-2011, 09:24 PM

Scott...not a how-to but I think TX Firefighter has explained it here
looks like ya gotta match up the pinion angle and weld on the coil spring perches

**leddzepp** · 07-20-2011, 10:05 PM

thanks for the info guys!

mel- i had forgot about the 4wd rear not having a mount for the panhard bar. i have an adj. bar already and do not want to buy the deluxe.

geoff- thanks for the link. getting the pinion angle right is critical, especially with a 7" drop.

more time than i wanna spend, so im gonna pass on this one and keep looking for a 2wd coil sprung rear.
Posted via Mobile Device

gcburdic · 07-20-2011, 10:20 PM

I got one sitting out in the shed over here on the right coast!!!

dukcaln · 07-20-2011, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gcburdic

I got one sitting out in the shed over here on the right coast!!!

now don't tease him like that, plus I thought we lived on the right coast....LOL

I too will be looking for a 2wd coil rearend and getting rid of the leaf.

**leddzepp** · 07-20-2011, 10:32 PM

too bad i am on the wrong coast, lol
Posted via Mobile Device

07-20-2011, 02:20 PM	#1
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,996	Differences in a 72 4wd and 2wd rear end Is there any difference between a 72 rear end from a 2wd truck and a 4wd truck, other than 2wd being coil sprung and the 4wd being leaf sprung? I am looking at buying a rear end from a 72 4wd truck to swap into my 72 2wd truck. I know the 4wd has six lugs, but I am thinking I can swap my 5 lug axles into it because they should be the same length. If so, how hard is it to convert from leaf spring to coil spring perches? Thanks in advance. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man

07-20-2011, 02:59 PM	#2
Classic Bowties Always on the hunt... Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Portland, OR. Posts: 5,579	Re: Differences in a 72 4wd and 2wd rear end Hi Scott, sounds like you have a pretty good understanding already on what is different. When talking 71-72 leaf to leaf rear end swaps, the C/K series rears had different spring pad widths, except for the longhorns which are a direct match on the spring pad width to the factory K rears. When talking leaf to coil rear swaps, the main issue is going to be the cutting/grinding/welding of the spring pads & converting over to the trailing arm type angled mounts. You will also need to add a super track bar kit also since there is no provision on the leaf rears for a track bar, since the K rear is a 72, your 5 lug axles (if oe) will slide right into that 12 bolt K housing & diff. Mel

07-20-2011, 09:24 PM	#3
gcburdic Restoration Virgin! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Huntersville, NC Posts: 8,298	Re: Differences in a 72 4wd and 2wd rear end Scott...not a how-to but I think TX Firefighter has explained it here looks like ya gotta match up the pinion angle and weld on the coil spring perches __________________ Geoff with a G 1968 Chevy C10 SWB The Mistress 1972 Custom Deluxe C20 Suburban A Suburban Named Isabella 1966 Ford Mustang Mama's High School Graduation Present

07-20-2011, 10:05 PM	#4
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,996	Re: Differences in a 72 4wd and 2wd rear end thanks for the info guys! mel- i had forgot about the 4wd rear not having a mount for the panhard bar. i have an adj. bar already and do not want to buy the deluxe. geoff- thanks for the link. getting the pinion angle right is critical, especially with a 7" drop. more time than i wanna spend, so im gonna pass on this one and keep looking for a 2wd coil sprung rear. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man

07-20-2011, 10:20 PM	#5
gcburdic Restoration Virgin! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Huntersville, NC Posts: 8,298	Re: Differences in a 72 4wd and 2wd rear end I got one sitting out in the shed over here on the right coast!!! __________________ Geoff with a G 1968 Chevy C10 SWB The Mistress 1972 Custom Deluxe C20 Suburban A Suburban Named Isabella 1966 Ford Mustang Mama's High School Graduation Present

07-20-2011, 10:32 PM	#7
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,996	Re: Differences in a 72 4wd and 2wd rear end too bad i am on the wrong coast, lol Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man

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