Advice about axle swap 86 K10 into 68 K20

[Rudigar25]

Hey all, I have a '68 K20 with the high (gas guzzling) axle ratio, like 5.38 or close, & an '85 K10 with a lower axle ratio, maybe 3.55. Anyone know what's involved with swapping axles? I can't find an article online about it anywhere. Any knowledge or advice would be appreciated!

Thanks!

[earl87gta]

The front is bolt in the rear you will have to move the spring purches. other then that the break lines may be diffrent . Imnot 100% sure on the steering i had changed to power steering at the same time so I changed to the pwer steering box to when I did it.

[Rudigar25]

Thanks Earl, looks like I have a warm weather project.

[shelby987]

I put a 80 something 3/4t corp. 10 bolt in the front of my 70 and below is the list of issues I had.

*You will need the spring perches and u-bolts, as teh 68 axle likely has a smaller diameter axle tube.
*Unless already converted to disc. brakes you will need the following.
-New Master cylinder
-New prop. valve
-New brake lines (or a whole host of fittings to put your drum lines to the disc/drum prop vavle.
-New front brake hoses
-New tapered locks to put the steering arm back on (I am not sure if the 86 is the same as your 68...these are a pain to get out, no good tips here, I used a drill and a hammer).
-Always a good idea to change u-joints and grease up the front end at the same time.

[earl87gta]

the 68 will be a closed knuckle so he wont be able to reuse the steering arm from his old axle. you may want to drive it around the yard before you cahnge out the brake booster and valve for some poeple its not an issue and stops just as good as if you where to change it out. If you do need to change it out get one from a 3/4 ton. do you even have power breaks?