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#1 |
Certified Chevy Man
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Tucson, Arizona, United States
Posts: 2,053
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Difference between 67-70 and 71-72 axle widths
I've got a coil spring 68 12 bolt axle. I know the WMS on the 71-72 axles are 1.5" wider. But, don't these axles have the 2 3/4" wide brakes instead of the 2" wide. Basically what I'm asking is if the axle tubes are the same length between the years and can I just swap out the longer 5-lug axle shafts and backs off a 71-72 onto a 67-70 axle?
Thanks for any info
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68 Chevy CST (327,TH400) 3/5 drop lots of fun stuff 71 Suburban 4x4 (350,TH350) 7" lift 37's, D44/14 bolt and other sorts of goodies, lockers front and rear, flexes 40", 895 RTI score Check out my web site!!! http://www.geocities.com/cst68chevy/ |
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#2 |
Designated A-hole!
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: South Mississippi
Posts: 36,450
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From what I understand, you will need a 3/4" spacer on each side to use the 5 lug axles (up to about 1980 or so).
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"If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. ![]() We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck" |
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#3 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,693
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The axle shafts are not the same width.
About a year ago, some one on here mentioned that his brake shoes were only 1/2 way into the drums...turned out some one stuffed 71/72 shafts into a 67 - 70 (early 70) rear. |
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#4 |
Certified Chevy Man
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Tucson, Arizona, United States
Posts: 2,053
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I already know the axleshafts are different by 3/4", but this is also the same size difference as the brake widths. 67-70 had 2" and 71-72 had 2 3/4". So if this is true, doesn't that make the tube lengths the same. Therefore, why can't I take my 67-70 housing, and put 71-72 backing plates and brakes and axle shafts and put them in my axle housing. Or do I even need to change the brake backing plates? Can I just change the shoes and drums and axleshafts?
__________________
68 Chevy CST (327,TH400) 3/5 drop lots of fun stuff 71 Suburban 4x4 (350,TH350) 7" lift 37's, D44/14 bolt and other sorts of goodies, lockers front and rear, flexes 40", 895 RTI score Check out my web site!!! http://www.geocities.com/cst68chevy/ |
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#5 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,693
|
I think you had optional brakes...I'd have to check my books though, I am pretty sure 2 inch was the norm on all of them.
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#6 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Saskatoon,SK,Canada
Posts: 2,476
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Axle tube lengths are NOT the same. The 70 up axle housings are wider than the 69 down. This is an old argument and has been proven many many times over the last 4 or 5 years. Take a tape and measure the housings for yourself. Newer axles can be retrofitted into the narrower housing using different brakes BUT the bearings will not be on the normal part of the axle intended to be the inner race. You'll be taking your chances.
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Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada |
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#7 |
Certified Chevy Man
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Tucson, Arizona, United States
Posts: 2,053
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Thanks guys, exactly what I needed to know. I know this has been debated, just never paid attention, until I realized I need my rear axle to be wider to clear 20's.
__________________
68 Chevy CST (327,TH400) 3/5 drop lots of fun stuff 71 Suburban 4x4 (350,TH350) 7" lift 37's, D44/14 bolt and other sorts of goodies, lockers front and rear, flexes 40", 895 RTI score Check out my web site!!! http://www.geocities.com/cst68chevy/ |
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