Another C20 rear end question - New member

[customc20]

Hello everyone. I am new to this site (First post). The wealth of knowledge here is amazing. I recently inherited my 1972 C20 Custom Camper from my grandfather who passed away. My wish list for this truck is growing by the day. I think I'm going to start with the brakes/suspension and move from there. The truck is a 3/4 ton with coil rear suspension and an HO52 rear end with 4.10/4.11 gears. It has an unmodified 350 with a TH350 tranny. It has front discs and rear drums.

I have searched this site extensively for rear end conversions and I think I know which way I would like to go. I want to end up with a slightly built up 350 with a 700R4 tranny and a 3.73 POSI in the rear running around ~28-29" tires on ~20" rims. I'll do a 4/6 drop while modifying the suspension. I would like to switch to 5 lugs all around for the rim choice. I will not be towing anything with this truck. I will also switch to disc rears with the rear end coversion.

Since I have an HO52 rear end I know I'm already at the best gear I can get in that housing (4.11). I know there is/was talk of a 3.90 aftermarket gear available, however, I would like to have a POSI (not a locker) so this is pushing me to replacing it with something else. I have been eyeing the newer C10 axles from 73+ however, I can not locate one locally. Has anyone tried to put in a rear end from something from the 90's? I know I will have to weld the perch's and panhard/trac bar mount to the axle tube hosing, so this is not a consideration. I would be open to buying the rear end, then buying aftermarket POSI center section, however, I would rather buy it all together. Like I said, I'd like to end up with 5 lugs, so whether the new axle already has that setup, or a conversion axle needs used, I'd like to end up with this. I know the width of the newer rear ends are probably a little wider, so this is why I'm asking. Can some one point me in the right direction for a new rearend? Please be specific on models and years of your suggestions. I've read all the rear disc conversion setups (and associated aftermarket sites) so I think I'll be able to find something to fit.


Sorry to ramble on, however, I wanted to give as much information as possible so I can receive useful feedback. Again, I've searched hundreds of posts regarding this conversion, but can't quite identify exact years of newer rear ends to use.

Thanks for your help!

Mike