78 front and rear in a 72 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

LAOffroad · 10-10-2009, 05:07 PM

Is it a direct swap from a 78 4wd Blazer to a 72? I have a NP205 transfer case in the 72 if that matters. I don't know much about the drivetrain if it isn't obvious.

jeffspower · 10-10-2009, 07:03 PM

The front axle should be an easy swap, the axle tube is bigger on the '78 so you probably need to use the u- bolts (or get new ones) from it along with the top plates. '79 went to different calipers, and I think hoses and banjo bolts.

The rear you will have to cut off the spring perches and move them inwards. Shock mounts need moved too. The park brake cables might not work.

LAOffroad · 10-10-2009, 07:57 PM

thanks for the info. what would I need to do to make the parking cable work?

jeffspower · 10-10-2009, 08:35 PM

I haven't done the exact swap, so you will need to compare lengths and how they attach at the backing plates. You may be able to use them off the '78, or swap them off your '72 rear. I know they are different part numbers, but don't know the specifics.

LAOffroad · 10-10-2009, 08:40 PM

gotcha. thanks for your help

10-10-2009, 05:07 PM	#1
LAOffroad Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Dothan, AL Posts: 22	78 front and rear in a 72 Is it a direct swap from a 78 4wd Blazer to a 72? I have a NP205 transfer case in the 72 if that matters. I don't know much about the drivetrain if it isn't obvious. Last edited by LAOffroad; 10-10-2009 at 05:47 PM.

10-10-2009, 07:03 PM	#2
jeffspower Well, Whoop-dee-do! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Easton, Mo. pop.- me & scarcely a few others Posts: 2,302	Re: 78 front and rear in a 72 The front axle should be an easy swap, the axle tube is bigger on the '78 so you probably need to use the u- bolts (or get new ones) from it along with the top plates. '79 went to different calipers, and I think hoses and banjo bolts. The rear you will have to cut off the spring perches and move them inwards. Shock mounts need moved too. The park brake cables might not work. __________________ '68 GMC shortbox 4x4 350/SM465/T221- bought it in '83 SOLD '72 K20 500 Cad/TH400/NP205 SOLD '92 Chevy 2500 6.5 mech TD 4L80E crusty daily driver '72 Monte Carlo... sweet low mile toy '11 Dodge Challenger IE 392 6spd... midlife car

10-10-2009, 07:57 PM	#3
LAOffroad Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Dothan, AL Posts: 22	Re: 78 front and rear in a 72 thanks for the info. what would I need to do to make the parking cable work?

10-10-2009, 08:35 PM	#4
jeffspower Well, Whoop-dee-do! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Easton, Mo. pop.- me & scarcely a few others Posts: 2,302	Re: 78 front and rear in a 72 I haven't done the exact swap, so you will need to compare lengths and how they attach at the backing plates. You may be able to use them off the '78, or swap them off your '72 rear. I know they are different part numbers, but don't know the specifics. __________________ '68 GMC shortbox 4x4 350/SM465/T221- bought it in '83 SOLD '72 K20 500 Cad/TH400/NP205 SOLD '92 Chevy 2500 6.5 mech TD 4L80E crusty daily driver '72 Monte Carlo... sweet low mile toy '11 Dodge Challenger IE 392 6spd... midlife car

10-10-2009, 08:40 PM	#5
LAOffroad Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Dothan, AL Posts: 22	Re: 78 front and rear in a 72 gotcha. thanks for your help



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