52 3/4 ton rear options

[f18delta]

I finally got some cash in and can afford to buy something used

Need to know my options for a 3/4 ton rear end. As it sits now, I have the frame sitting on the original axle. The leaves are shot, I'd like to change out the gearing since it's original as well, and I have some air shocks that I can put on it. If possible, I'd like to move to 5 lug wheels as well since I'm going to get a Mustang or equivalent front end later.

Anybody have suggestions of what I could pull out of a newer model that is:

1. A direct fit
2. Geared in the mid to high 3's
3. Has or can be converted to 5 lug (drum or disc, doesn't matter)
4. Won't take all my cash to buy it and get it installed

I'd like to spend less than $1k on the entire rear set up. I'm pretty certain this can be done, but when I checked prices versus last years, I'm beginning to wonder.

[Midgets50]

go to a junk yard or if you have a pick apart near go there and pull an axle off a s10 or blazer if your wanting 5 bolt along with the leafs
just my opinion though

[f18delta]

Got a line on a 66 1/2 ton rear end that measures 57 1/2" from plate to plate. I think it will fit. Anyone tried doing this?

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by f18delta

1. A direct fit

that is your option killer
nothing is a direct bolt in

[f18delta]

Guess I should expand on that a bit...

By direct fit, I mean I'm not going to have to go crazy in order to get it to fit underneath the frame and still have room to put a bed and fenders on. So more or less, the same width or close enough that I can still run stock width tires.

Does that make more sense?

[_Ogre]

lots of options then
http://www.chevytrucks.org/tech/ifs&rearend.htm scroll way down