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Old 03-29-2014, 12:17 AM   #1
m_wnzl
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C20 axle swap from 73-87 1/2ton?

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?
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Old 12-17-2014, 03:44 PM   #2
erikgto
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Re: C20 axle swap from 73-87 1/2ton?

I was thinking about the exact same thing!

Mine's a 72 C20 leaf, thinking about swap a later 5 lug axle in there
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Old 12-17-2014, 04:04 PM   #3
sduckworth13
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Re: C20 axle swap from 73-87 1/2ton?

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.
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Old 12-17-2014, 04:19 PM   #4
budman k20
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Re: C20 axle swap from 73-87 1/2ton?

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).
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Old 12-17-2014, 10:26 PM   #5
kwmech
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Re: C20 axle swap from 73-87 1/2ton?

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
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Old 12-21-2014, 12:53 AM   #6
sduckworth13
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Re: C20 axle swap from 73-87 1/2ton?

Quote:
Originally Posted by budman k20 View Post
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.
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Old 12-21-2014, 01:40 AM   #7
sapper4
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Re: C20 axle swap from 73-87 1/2ton?

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.
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Old 12-21-2014, 08:21 PM   #8
Mike C
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Re: C20 axle swap from 73-87 1/2ton?

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"
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Old 12-22-2014, 10:32 AM   #9
71K20chevy
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Re: C20 axle swap from 73-87 1/2ton?

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
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