General '67 4x4 rear axle questions

[bass]

Hi All,

Have a somewhat odd project that brought me here. I am building a *trailer* based on a rescued back end of a '67 4x4 1/2 ton.

The trailer conversion has already been done, so all I really know is what I was told - 1967, 4x4 (has leaf springs, not coil), and that the original truck was a half ton. I am assuming it was a C10???

Next week I am going to tear down the axle to make sure it's in decent condition. Plans will include checking and repacking / replacing bearings.

I have two questions:

1) does anyone know if the bearings are repackable or if I just need to replace them? If replaced, do I need a machine shop to press them back on?

2) Does anyone know what the "standard" number of leafs is in the leaf springs? One of my springs has (I believe) 3 leaves in it, the other has 4 leaves, so the frame is not riding level right now. I'm trying to figure out which springs are not stock, so I can replace it. Along those lines, what years had the same axle / spring set up... could I get away with JC Whitney springs made for "1973 - 1987 C/K Pickup"?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

TIA,

-- Bass

[breeh]

73-87 springs will not work on a 67. The centering pin is in a different location.

[bass]

Do you know of a good source for springs for a '67, or do I need to start cruising junk yards?

Thanks.

-- Bass

[breeh]

Hmmm, I'm not sure. When I was looking, I was looking for lifted springs. There are people here (Pont for example) who have had them custom made. Let us know how your seach ends up.

PS. Maybe Pont still has his factory springs and he would sell them to you??

[Hutch]

Welcome to the board.

I am assuming it was a C10???

The 4x4's are know as K10's

I am not sure of the questions you asked but there are some numbers on the axle(rear end) that will help in figuring out just what you have.
This site has an axle decoder:

1967 Rear Axle Codes
This is what they have for a 1967 K10 1/2 ton.

K1/2-Ton HQ 3.73:1

The 4x4 line up went through quite a few drive train changes through these years als there were different options available within any given year.


Have fun

[bass]

Originally posted by Hutch
This site has an axle decoder:

1967 Rear Axle Codes
This is what they have for a 1967 K10 1/2 ton.

K1/2-Ton HQ 3.73:1

Well whadda you know, I checked the axle code and it really is what I thought it was. How convenient ;-) Thanks for the site.

Going to pull the axles out tomorrow and see what we can see, but basically planning on replacing the bearings and seals.

Anyone know approximately how many quarts of gear oil I should buy to refill the differential (and the axle, as apparently it's the gear oil that lubricates the bearings, they're not just packed in grease)?

TIA,

-- Bass

[Pont]

Welcome to the board Bass.

I have not been into the rear axle on my 67 K10 but I would guess that the bearings are not packable. I believe the axles have to be pulled from the housing, the old ones pressed off and the new ones pressed on.

73-87 rear springs are not a direct bolt in but could be used. The 73-87 rear springs should be 52" from eye to eye and the centering pin in the spring pack is set further forward and is not centered. The 67-68 rear springs are 56" from eye to eye and the centering pin is dead center in the spring pack. If you want to run 73-87 springs, you will need to relocate the hangers to accept the shorter springs and position them so they will center the axle in the wheel opening. I don't have my stock springs anymore but if I recall, there was 3 leafs per side.

Hope this helps, just shout if you need anymore info and I'll help if I can.

[bass]

Originally posted by Pont
Welcome to the board Bass.

I have not been into the rear axle on my 67 K10 but I would guess that the bearings are not packable. I believe the axles have to be pulled from the housing, the old ones pressed off and the new ones pressed on.

</i>Snip</i>

I don't have my stock springs anymore but if I recall, there was 3 leafs per side.

Hope this helps, just shout if you need anymore info and I'll help if I can.

Thanks for the bearing info, I got that impression from a former Chevy mechanic as well.

The leaf springs are actually in good shape on the bed, there's just 4 leaves on one side and 3 on the other. Maybe before I try to track down the right year leaves (and spend the money) I'll see if I can simply remove one leaf from the 4 leaf side... anyone ever tried this before???

-- Bass