Would this rear end work in my 68?

[ncsurveyor]

I've got a 68 stepside and I'm wanting to convert to 5 lug and found this rear end on facebook marketplace. The guys says he thinks its out of a 71-72. Would this work in my truck? And if its a 71-72 it would be the wider rear end correct? Which would give me a little more room inside the fenders for my wheel/tire setup? I can probably get it for $100 but don't want to buy it if it won't work.

[AZBuckHunter]

Should work for you. If the marketplace axles are out of a 4x4 it will be leaf sprung, I'm not sure what your 68 is currently leaf or coil sprung. You would just have to change the perches if you were currently coils.

[ncsurveyor]

Originally Posted by AZBuckHunter

Should work for you. If the marketplace axles are out of a 4x4 it will be leaf sprung, I'm not sure what your 68 is currently leaf or coil sprung. You would just have to change the perches if you were currently coils.

Thanks, i've currently got coils. Do the perches just bolt on? Will my drive shaft just hook right to it, the length will be correct?

[AZBuckHunter]

The drive shaft and yoke ujoint should be 1310 on both your axle and the one pictured.
I think I was incorrect above though. The coil sits on the arm in our trucks and I have not done a conversion so probably best to wait for a better answer on the swap.

[ncsurveyor]

Originally Posted by AZBuckHunter

The drive shaft and yoke ujoint should be 1310 on both your axle and the one pictured.
I think I was incorrect above though. The coil sits on the arm in our trucks and I have not done a conversion so probably best to wait for a better answer on the swap.

Right, I just looked at my truck and the coil does set on the arm. I just wonder how hard it is to switch..

[gmc684x4]

from the small resolution of the pic I would think it will fit double check your diff for placement of the cross bar mount the trailing arm mounts look like they tapper in for trailing arms
been since 91 when i changed my 68 to 4x4

[68Stepbed]

If it's a factory 71-72 rear, it's a simple swap. From the photo, it's definitely a coil spring rear. The biggest question is if it's a converted 67-70 rear, or a 71-72. The best way to know is measure it.

Check backing plate to backing plate measurements on your current rearend then ask the seller to check the same, or go look at it in person if it's close enough.

[ncsurveyor]

Originally Posted by 68Stepbed

If it's a factory 71-72 rear, it's a simple swap. From the photo, it's definitely a coil spring rear. The biggest question is if it's a converted 67-70 rear, or a 71-72. The best way to know is measure it.

Check backing plate to backing plate measurements on your current rearend then ask the seller to check the same, or go look at it in person if it's close enough.

If I measured correctly i'm getting roughly 56" on mine. Does that sound correct?

[ncsurveyor]

So I bought the rear end and it looks to be in really good shape. What all should I check out/replace before bolting it up?

[HO455]

Drain the oil and pop the cover off and see what you find. Pull the drums off and check for broken parts, or signs of fluid leaks from either the axle or the slave cylinders. Check the drums for wear, warping, and cracks.

[ncsurveyor]

So I opened it up and it looks really clean, but nothing drained out. It's basically dry inside. I'm assuming someone already drained it. The gears do not appear to damaged at all and I was able to get the axles out without a hitch. Is there a way to tell for sure what the gear ratio is? There are some numbers stamped on the inside but nothing that I recognize as a gear ratio.

[KMC3420]

Divide the big number by the smaller number to get your ratio. I bet your numbers are 41:11.

[ncsurveyor]

Originally Posted by KMC3420

Divide the big number by the smaller number to get your ratio. I bet your numbers are 41:11.

Yep, 41:11, 3.73 rear end.

[67C10Step]

While you have the axles out the axle bearings and seals are easy to replace and give you peace of mind.

[Ironangel]

Are those metal shavings in the pic?

[ncsurveyor]

Originally Posted by Ironangel

Are those metal shavings in the pic?

No, i noticed that in the pic too and went back to check it out but its where the black paint is flaking off. I can't see any shavings anywhere.