Rearend swap?

[mkmc69]

I have a 67' short bed step side that I am just getting started on. I would like to convert to 5 lug from the current 6 lug setup. I have already aquired a complete 86' frame with suspension. I have the chance to purchase a rearend from a 71' GMC which has the leaf spring suspension. So I guess my question is what would my best option be keeping in mind that I would like to retain the coil spring setup. Should I use the rearend from the 86' and attatch my coil spring perches to, would the 71' rearend be better? Also would like to know if I could just swap the axles from either the 86' or 71' to the 67' housing? Thanks for any info!

[lowriden58]

best bet would be to sell both and buy a coil spring rear. the leaf rears dont have the track bar mount so you would have to buy or fab a mounting stud/bracket. 86 i believe is too wide, 71 is alittle wider than your 67 but would work. neither of the axles will swap into your rear.

BTW welcome from maryland

[brad_man_72]

im putting an axle out of a 76 in my 67, i got ccp's axle swap kit, got perches and a track bar with mounts. looks pretty easy.

[mkmc69]

Ok, thanks again for the info i'm still learning.

[kcjones]

Originally Posted by brad_man_72

im putting an axle out of a 76 in my 67, i got ccp's axle swap kit, got perches and a track bar with mounts. looks pretty easy.

Use the '86 rear end housing: It's getting harder and harder to find good 67-72 12 bolts that aren't rusting badly inside from sitting 2" deep in mud in a junkyard. Note that the 67-70 rear ends are narrower than the 71-72 (because GM increased the front track width with disc brakes, they needed to increase the back somewhat).

I just swapped my C20 Eaton rear end with a 74 12 bolt. True, you do have to remove the leaf perches and weld on the trailing arm pads, and then get an adjustable/custom panhard kit (worth it anyway unless you stay at stock height). Biggest issue with using a leaf rearend is setting pinion angle correctly when you weld on the coil pads. There isn't much room for error (ask me how I know!).

[GMC3]

I converted my 70 to 5 lug when i switched to disc up front and just pullled my axles and had them re drilled to 5 lug and hub shaved down at a machine shop. very easy pretty inexpensive too.

[oldblue1968chevy]

okay, im highly entertaining the idea of what gmc3 said, swithcin my 6 lug to 5 lug by doing what he said, can someone explain that a lil more thanks!

[yellowGT]

Originally Posted by GMC3

I converted my 70 to 5 lug when i switched to disc up front and just pullled my axles and had them re drilled to 5 lug and hub shaved down at a machine shop. very easy pretty inexpensive too.

When they re-drilled your axles did they just drill the holes or made them with the little ridges or slots whatever you call those things? I know they sell some studs that dont require the slotted thingies. I was thinking about doing the same thing but wasnt sure about the holes

[oldblue1968chevy]

is it a dangerous thing, or is it just perfectly safe?....

liek to swap to disk brakes....5 lug's cheaper...

[my67chevytruck]

If done correctly by a reputable machine shop it is safe.