1972 A Arms and rear differential questions. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

134tessier · 10-07-2014, 02:22 PM

Hello, I have a stock 68 C10 with a 3" and 5" lowering springs. I recently picked up some parts off of craigslist. I have a couple of questions if you could help me out. First, the rear axle that is 5 lug with leaf springs was among the parts. Will the axles fit in my rear axle with coil springs. I would like to convert to five lug. Secondly, a set of upper and lower A arms with disk brakes was also among the parts. Will the spindles directly fit my arms on my truck? I really hope it is that easy and would appreciate as much help as possible. Thank you in advance.

**leddzepp** · 10-07-2014, 02:45 PM

The rear axles will not swap over, as they are wider than your 68 axles. You will need to at least change the upper ball joint on your 68 control arms to use the 72 spindles (you may need to change the lower too, I can't remember now), and the outer tie rod ends will need to be changed.

bsampson · 10-07-2014, 10:42 PM

Regarding the rear axle, leddzepp is right; you can't swap just the axles. If you wanted to make the parts work, you could swap out the entire rear end, assuming the gear ratio is desirable, condition, etc. It would involve cutting off the old leaf spring perches and welding on some new trailing arm axle seats ($40 from ECE or CPP).

10-07-2014, 02:22 PM	#1
134tessier Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Northbridge, Mass Posts: 75	1972 A Arms and rear differential questions. Hello, I have a stock 68 C10 with a 3" and 5" lowering springs. I recently picked up some parts off of craigslist. I have a couple of questions if you could help me out. First, the rear axle that is 5 lug with leaf springs was among the parts. Will the axles fit in my rear axle with coil springs. I would like to convert to five lug. Secondly, a set of upper and lower A arms with disk brakes was also among the parts. Will the spindles directly fit my arms on my truck? I really hope it is that easy and would appreciate as much help as possible. Thank you in advance.

10-07-2014, 02:45 PM	#2
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,031	Re: 1972 A Arms and rear differential questions. The rear axles will not swap over, as they are wider than your 68 axles. You will need to at least change the upper ball joint on your 68 control arms to use the 72 spindles (you may need to change the lower too, I can't remember now), and the outer tie rod ends will need to be changed. __________________ 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 RIP FleetsidePaul

10-07-2014, 10:42 PM	#3
bsampson Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Central IL Posts: 63	Re: 1972 A Arms and rear differential questions. Regarding the rear axle, leddzepp is right; you can't swap just the axles. If you wanted to make the parts work, you could swap out the entire rear end, assuming the gear ratio is desirable, condition, etc. It would involve cutting off the old leaf spring perches and welding on some new trailing arm axle seats ($40 from ECE or CPP).



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