Rearend swap, rebuild, powdercoat project

[Tx Firefighter]

I recently did a thread on my conversion to late model front suspension with rebuild and powdercoat work. I figured since that part of the project is done, I'd start a thread on the rear conversion process. This process will likely take a week or two since parts are so expensive and I have to scrape up the extra coin to buy as I go. I will update the thread as I make progress like I did the front end swap on the earlier thread.

I started with an 80 model 12 bolt rear differential out of a leaf spring truck (obviously, since all 80 models are leaf springs). I am going to completely rebuild this thing and install it into my coil spring equipped 63 truck to get highway gears and 5 lug wheel pattern.

First, I spent some time cutting and grinding all of the leaf spring pads and shock mounts off the donor unit.




Then, I tore the unit completely apart, removing everything from the housing. I will replace all seals and bearings, so no worry about damaging the old units. I need the housing completely bare to degrease it and powdercoat it.






I cleaned all of the internal stuff to evaluate what needs to be replaced and what can be reused.