Narrowing a 68/newer 3/4 ton rear axle, anyone done it?

[buckroseau]

Went and got the axle later this afternoon. $200 bucks of goodness. I cut the existing mounts off, didn't get a pic of that. I think tomorrow I'm going to drop it off at the sandblaster and get it cleaned up prior to working on it.

Matt

[66Submarine]

That is actually a full floating 10.5" 14 bolt, not the 9.5" semi floating version.

I might have to see about getting one...

[66Submarine]

Was it a dually or a SRW truck?

[buckroseau]

Originally Posted by 66Submarine

Was it a dually or a SRW truck?

1997 C3500 2wd. SRW. 4.10 ratio.

[Captainfab]

If you need a set of trailing arm mounts, let me know. I make them specifically for the larger axle tubes on the 14 bolts.

[buckroseau]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

If you need a set of trailing arm mounts, let me know. I make them specifically for the larger axle tubes on the 14 bolts.

Thanks for the offer. I think I'm actually getting a set I believe you made. A member contacted me offering to sell a set he had bought from you. He ended up going a different route and didn't need them. So I'm assuming they will fit this axle? I should have them next week sometime.

I ended up torching the brackets off last night and also removing the drums and brake parts. Flap disc'd the axle smooth. Just dropped it off at the sandblaster a few minutes ago. Just easier to work with clean metal.

Matt

[Ozzy2013]

Looks good.

[LuckyLightning]

Looking real good buckroseau! I have the same truck ('62 C20 w/235) with the same gearing (Owner's Guide says either 4:57 or 5:14). The first time I took it out, I was stunned that I can only move about 10 feet in 1st gear before I have to shift! Probably great for hauling stuff, but not highway cruising (I have yet to leave my neighborhood going over 40mph).

Where did you get the oil filter lines? I need to order some as well.

Keep an eye on your clutch hose. Mine leaked, and I think this is common. I ordered my new line from Inline Tube (part no: CTH60001). I ordered from them about a month ago and the line needed a little bit of persuasion to get in, but it's solid once in place. It looks like they changed their search function since I ordered from them, and now I can't locate the page it was on. You may have to call/email them for info.

I'm subscribing to this one, as I plan to do the same kind of axle swap.

[buckroseau]

Managed to get the old axle out tonight. I will say it didn't come out easy. But with help of the torch and the BFH it eventually came out.

Need to fab up a jig now to mark a few things. Plan on cutting the pan hard bracket off and welding that onto the new axle as well.

Question on the those 2 swing arm. Are those flat stock pieces of metal that are kinda peeling away factory? I'm sure they are, but just wanted to make sure. I ordered a reinforcement kit and I'm wondering those should be cut off?

Matt

[buckroseau]

Originally Posted by LuckyLightning

Looking real good buckroseau! I have the same truck ('62 C20 w/235) with the same gearing (Owner's Guide says either 4:57 or 5:14). The first time I took it out, I was stunned that I can only move about 10 feet in 1st gear before I have to shift! Probably great for hauling stuff, but not highway cruising (I have yet to leave my neighborhood going over 40mph).

Where did you get the oil filter lines? I need to order some as well.

Keep an eye on your clutch hose. Mine leaked, and I think this is common. I ordered my new line from Inline Tube (part no: CTH60001). I ordered from them about a month ago and the line needed a little bit of persuasion to get in, but it's solid once in place. It looks like they changed their search function since I ordered from them, and now I can't locate the page it was on. You may have to call/email them for info.

I'm subscribing to this one, as I plan to do the same kind of axle swap.

5.14 makes sense. The few times I've driven the truck it was geared LOW! The thing was howling at 40 mph. I'm this axle will make a huge difference.

Link to the oil lines I bought off the ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281431999623...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[LuckyLightning]

My '62 C20 has those metal strips on the trailing arms too. It's funny, because I was also wondering if they were factory.

I'm glad to hear someone else heard the same howling at 40mph! I thought I was gonna have one more thing to dig into.

[Captainfab]

The C20's had those extra reinforcements on the trailing arms. The bad part about those is that they trap dirt and moisture and rust away both parts.

[buckroseau]

Started fabbing up the jig tonight to transfer the mount locations over to the new axle. Also marked the pan hard bracket location and brake tab location.

Question: anyone know if speedway or anyone else makes a T or hose that goes from the 3/16 brake line to metric?

[Captainfab]

You can buy Metric to SAE line adapter fittings. They are Edelmann #271300 or Weatherhead #1442.

[buckroseau]

Few pics from tonight. Copying a few other people on other threads to do the axle swap. Welded up a pinion angle bracket. Also used the 3/4" washer trick in the mounting hole. Used the tractor to move the old axle out and new axle in. Lot easier than doing it by hand.

Matt