UGH C20 rear end dilemma

[Mathew21]

OK some of you may know I bought a 65 C20 327/Th400 recently. Well I finally got the chance to drive it the other day. The engine runs excellent. The truck handles great. I'm impressed how well the power drum brakes stop. I plan on this truck to be my daily driver weather permitting April-November.

Now the bad part. I want to drive faster then 45 mph without the rpm's roaring. I believe but have not confirmed yet that my Eaton HO52 has 4.57 gears. Even it had 4.11 I don't think it would help much. I plan on swapping the TH400 for a 700r4. But I don't think that will get me to where I want to be. I really want to be able to cruise comfortably at 65 mph.

After doing much reading I can't find the perfect match 8 lug axle with the same Wms as mine. (approximately 65"). I would like to keep the truck 8 lug. the only thing I found close would be 14 bolt from a cab and chassis truck. (63.5") then I would have to redo the axle to accept coil springs.

I did find someone local to me that has a 6 lug 12 bolt out of a mid 60's C10 with 3.73 gears. He also has a 5 lug 10 bolt out of he thinks a 1972 C10 with 3.42 gears. both are reasonably priced.

I'm just trying to decide do I want to take my C20 and make it a half ton. I do plan on going with disc up front sooner or later so I could change over the front to match the rear if I do swap to a different bolt pattern.

I know the decision ultimately lays in my hands. I'm just
looking for some advice.

Here's a link to my truck in question. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=615628



Sorry for the long post, Matt