C20 axle swap from 73-87 1/2ton?

[m_wnzl]

I have searched through the site and havent found an answer to my question. I have a 71 C20 8 lug rear with leaf springs and I am looking to swap in a 5 lug rear (leaf spring) from a 73-87 1/2 ton. Would that be a direct bolt in being both leaf spring? If not what will I need to do to make it work correctly?

[erikgto]

I was thinking about the exact same thing!

Mine's a 72 C20 leaf, thinking about swap a later 5 lug axle in there

[sduckworth13]

Yes it will work. I had a 14 bolt corporate someone had installed in my 1967 GMC and I swapped a 1973 Chevy truck rearend with no issues.

[budman k20]

I'm pretty sure it's not a direct bolt in project. The 73 and later trucks had staggered shocks (one forward and one back).

[kwmech]

Sometimes the spring pads have to moved. The shocks have to be rehung. Parking brake cables need reworking. Drive line may need reworking also. It is not a direct bolt in. But worth the swap in strength and parts availabilty

[sduckworth13]

Originally Posted by budman k20

I'm pretty sure it's not a direct bolt in project. The 73 and later trucks had staggered shocks (one forward and one back).

Yes your right, sorry I left that out. It does require the shock mount modification.

[sapper4]

The axles are the same width from 71-87. The spring perches are also the same width at 40.5", unless your 67-72 is a 4wd (which the spring perch would be 42.5"). The WMS is also the same at 63.5" from 71-87. The shock mounts will be different on the driver's side if my memory serves me correctly. I cut it off, flipped it around, and welded it back on. It fit perfectly.

[Mike C]

Other way around. Spring perch centers on a 4 wheel drive 67-72 are 40.5". 2 Wheel 67-72 drive are 42.5" while 4 wheel drive 73-87 are also 42.5". The exception is the 1 ton trucks which are 40.5"

[71K20chevy]

I had to move spring perches and shock mounts. Granted I'm talking about a 14 bolt, but it came out of a 79 K20