Need help with my rearend - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jp-n-mallory71 · 03-18-2006, 09:19 PM

I have a 71 5 lug rearend for leaf springs but my frame is a 70 with a 6 lug. i wanted to change axles shafts and make it 5 lug. i read some other post on this and there are some shafts that are different sizes. my question is if both housings are the same measurement can the shafts still be a different sizes.

another question how do you take the the axles out please HELP.

THANKS JOHNNY

Longhorn Man · 03-18-2006, 09:21 PM

If you measure backing plate to backing plate, and come up with the same number... then you are in luck.

jp-n-mallory71 · 03-18-2006, 09:30 PM

yes i measured from back plate to back plate.

thanks

70GMCer · 03-19-2006, 08:14 AM

If memory serves me right, you have to remove the gear housing plate & drain the oil. Then push inward on the axles and remove the "C" clips inside the gear housing. Then pull the axles out.....Reverse the procedure to install the other axles..

Livrat · 03-19-2006, 10:41 AM

The 1970 6 lug rear end is the only one thats the same width as the 71/72.. so your axles will be a direct swap...
To do so you will need to remove the rear end cover and drain the 90wt.. try not to get any of it on your clothes, the smell never comes out!!.. you may have to rotate the carrier to find the little bolt that holds the pinion shaft.. remove it.. hopefully it will be whole.. they have a habbit of breaking.. it should be about 2 1/2 inches long.. it all goes well there, slide out the pinion shaft.. push in on your axle shafts and then you should be able to pull out the "C" clips.. or more likely they will fall out.. just reverse the procedure for installation..

Longhorn Man · 03-19-2006, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Livrat

The 1970 6 lug rear end is the only one thats the same width as the 71/72.. so your axles will be a direct swap...

MOST of the 70 6 lug rear ends are the same width as the 71/72... so your axles MAY be a direct swap

jp-n-mallory71 · 03-19-2006, 04:15 PM

thanks guys i'am going to try and take them apart next week i hope they fit.

thanks again

Johnny

Longhorn Man · 03-19-2006, 04:44 PM

Buy new seals while you're in there, and if you have the money, get synthetic gear oil....10 times better than the crap you'll be dumping out.

Karl Hoh · 03-19-2006, 07:25 PM

When you get things apart, check the axle shafts where they ride in the bearings. G.M.'s have a bad habit of eating up the shaft surface.(poor design) Can be repaired with offset bearing kits.

03-18-2006, 09:19 PM	#1
jp-n-mallory71 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: san marcos tx. Posts: 38	Need help with my rearend I have a 71 5 lug rearend for leaf springs but my frame is a 70 with a 6 lug. i wanted to change axles shafts and make it 5 lug. i read some other post on this and there are some shafts that are different sizes. my question is if both housings are the same measurement can the shafts still be a different sizes. another question how do you take the the axles out please HELP. THANKS JOHNNY

03-18-2006, 09:21 PM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Need help with my rearend If you measure backing plate to backing plate, and come up with the same number... then you are in luck.

03-18-2006, 09:30 PM	#3
jp-n-mallory71 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: san marcos tx. Posts: 38	Re: Need help with my rearend yes i measured from back plate to back plate. thanks

03-19-2006, 08:14 AM	#4
70GMCer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Joppa, Maryland Posts: 4,408	Re: Need help with my rearend If memory serves me right, you have to remove the gear housing plate & drain the oil. Then push inward on the axles and remove the "C" clips inside the gear housing. Then pull the axles out.....Reverse the procedure to install the other axles.. __________________ 1997 GMC Sierra Ext 1965 Mustang

03-19-2006, 10:41 AM	#5
Livrat Member #1049 Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Troy Montana Posts: 3,940	Re: Need help with my rearend The 1970 6 lug rear end is the only one thats the same width as the 71/72.. so your axles will be a direct swap... To do so you will need to remove the rear end cover and drain the 90wt.. try not to get any of it on your clothes, the smell never comes out!!.. you may have to rotate the carrier to find the little bolt that holds the pinion shaft.. remove it.. hopefully it will be whole.. they have a habbit of breaking.. it should be about 2 1/2 inches long.. it all goes well there, slide out the pinion shaft.. push in on your axle shafts and then you should be able to pull out the "C" clips.. or more likely they will fall out.. just reverse the procedure for installation..

03-19-2006, 04:15 PM	#7
jp-n-mallory71 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: san marcos tx. Posts: 38	Re: Need help with my rearend thanks guys i'am going to try and take them apart next week i hope they fit. thanks again Johnny

03-19-2006, 04:44 PM	#8
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Need help with my rearend Buy new seals while you're in there, and if you have the money, get synthetic gear oil....10 times better than the crap you'll be dumping out.

03-19-2006, 07:25 PM	#9
Karl Hoh A little east of nowhere Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: LaBroquerie,Manitoba Canada Posts: 168	Re: Need help with my rearend When you get things apart, check the axle shafts where they ride in the bearings. G.M.'s have a bad habit of eating up the shaft surface.(poor design) Can be repaired with offset bearing kits.



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