Need help with rearend

[greyes]

I just picked up a 1973 C-10 with a 350 for cheap because the rear end was destroyed. Any suggestions on what type or rearend I should be looking for 10-bolt or 12? Will any 1967-1987 fit under there without any major modifications? Thanks in advance.

George

[SSC's76]

I'd suggest another 12 bolt. Pre 73 will fit from a GMC because GMC used a leaf spring setup but finding one with 5 lug axles is rare. Chevy's used a trailing arm setup pre 73 so unles your looking for donor guts it's not a good option. Check out www.car-part.com. They will list all the wrecking yards in your area along with prices for a new used axle.

[Pyrotechnic]

For a stock engine and trans, a 10 bolt for a half ton will do you just fine.

If you want to run a hopped up motor, or if you just want something really solid, a 12 bolt is the way to go. Any 10 or 12 bolt rear end from the 73-87 will bolt right in.

You have a 12 bolt right now though. Personally I would spring for the 12.

[piecesparts]

I put a twelve bolt out of a 4X4 in my son's 1/2 ton 2 wheel drive and changed the axles out for the five bolts. He now has a 12 bolt posi with 3.73 gears. I took the whole 10 bolt axle housing out and put the replacement in in one afternoon. I put everything on the new axle setup before I slid it onto the rear springs. I now have a complete 10 bolt housing, brakes, drums, axles, and everything sitting behind my garage waiting for someone to need it. The only problem is that it is a standard 3.08 gear unit.

[Srubydo1986]

Now thats a trashes rear. I keep loking at the picture thinking that it only the cover it needs gut and a cover then i relized it the cast iron part, wierd break never dont that before.

As for the rear I say lok for a 12 bolt they are at most 500 bucks and it worth it.

[79underconstruction]

i have the same rear end as that truck does and i have been wonderign what kind of rear end is it? i have a 1979 C-10 scottsdale called a BIG 10 or somehting.. but it is half ton 2 wd with a manual 3 spd w / granny gear.. but i have been wondering hat rear end this is.. does any one know or know how to ifind out..

[jimfulco]

Obviously, the 12-bolt truck rear would be a total bolt-in.

The later 8.5" 10-bolt will also bolt into the truck, but your old drive shaft will be a little too long and you'll need a conversion U-joint, since the 8.5" uses a bigger one. Shortening it might run you $50-$100. If the donor truck matches your wheelbase, grab it's shaft if it still has one, in which case you'll use the conversion U-joint on the front with your original yoke.

[greyes]

Thank you for everyone's input. I am going to put another 12-bolt off a 74. What type of paint would everyone recommend to repaint the axle housing after I clean it up?

[Srubydo1986]

bed liner paint pratical and clean looking.

[bigblock73]

Originally Posted by greyes

Thank you for everyone's input. I am going to put another 12-bolt off a 74. What type of paint would everyone recommend to repaint the axle housing after I clean it up?

Rustoleum satin or semi gloss black. I did mine this way years ago and it looks great and held up real well.