Been looking for a new rear end - will this work?

[Rich72C10]

So I have a 72 C10 with the 3.07:1 rear end, coils. I have been bouncing around in my head going overdrive but before doing that I figured I need to sort out my 3.07:1 gears in some way. A rear end popped up in my searching today but unsure how to figure out if this one will work.

This is a complete rear axle assembly (including frame horns) from a 1981 Chevrolet 1/2 ton pickup. He "believes" it is a 3.77:1 rear end but its for a leaf truck. I do see the shock mounts are on the tubes, perhaps that will bust me right there?

Sorry, if this is a stupid question. Photos attached. Seller wants $250 for the whole thing but is open on the price it seems.

[Big Kev-O]

Mid 1970s-1981 12 bolt rear end measures 63.5" between wheel mount surfaces. So the width is correct assuming you have a 12 now. The leaf spring perches will not work with your trailing arms. You would need to cut off the leaf mounts and weld on trailing arm style axle seats. You must set the pinion angle before welding on the new axle seats. Trailing arm truck shocks are mounted to brackets that are bolted on by the u-bolts underneath the arms.

It can be done but it require some work.

Here is a guide to 12 bolt rear axles.
https://www.chevyhardcore.com/tech-s...rearend-guide/

[notsolo]

Is there anyting wrong with the current rear end 307 gears?.....my spid had 373...but must have been swapped to 307, to me with the overdrive it's perfect.

[Rich72C10]

That’s to much work than I want to deal with, thanks for those details!

Nothing wrong with my rear end. Fully checked out, oil changed and new cover seal about a month ago. Was told it more or less looked brand new inside :-)

I swear I read that a 3.07 was to high for OD and should go with 337.

[Rich72C10]

Originally Posted by Big Kev-O

That 1981 12 bolt rear end measures 63.5" between wheel mount surfaces. It is probably 1.5" wider than than your factory axle, so it would move your wheels out .75" on each side. ....

Unless I am misreading that site (thank for you for the link) - my 72 should have the same width as the 81 (and up to 87). Not that helps with the other bits. Just wondering if I am misreading the chart?

[Rich72C10]

all this stuff searching about the rear end I think I nailed my rear end stats.

Stamping: RHA W337 1

From Factory: CS-SE 10 3.07

Location: Warren, MI
Day December 3rd Shift 1

[Big Kev-O]

Originally Posted by Rich72C10

Unless I am misreading that site (thank for you for the link) - my 72 should have the same width as the 81 (and up to 87). Not that helps with the other bits. Just wondering if I am misreading the chart?

Oops, you are correct. For some reason I skipped over the fact you stated you had a 72. I edited my post for future reference.