Chevy Rear Axle in '66 GMC?

[mrkc]

I'm having trouble finding a used rear axle for my 1966 GMC 1/2 ton (6 lug). I have found a few Chevy C10 axles but they use coil springs and my GMC uses leaf springs.
How much trouble is it to modify the Chevy rear axle to be used in the GMC? I know the spring pads have to be changed but does the driveshaft need to modified, too?
I'm open to other suggestions but I'd like to keep the 6 lug wheels on all 4 corners.
I'm pretty sure the old axle can't be fixed as about an inch of the housing is broken off near the left wheel.

[Captainfab]

Most of the 1/2 ton GMC's in that era that I've seen had Dana 44 rear axles. So assuming that that is what you have in your truck now, then yes I do believe you will need to have the drive shaft shortened if you convert to a GM 12 bolt truck axle. You could also use a rear axle out of a 1/2 ton 4x4 which have leaf springs and are 6 lug, but the spring perches were farther apart after '72. The 12 bolts were used up through early 1980, and after that they were all 10 bolts. However starting in 1971 the axles may be wider than the one in your '66. I know the 2wd axles are, but I would have to verify if the 4x4 ones were or not.

[taclem]

If I'm not mistaken 66 chev c-10 offered leaf springs in the rear as an option, so keep lookin under the bed.

[62 Longbed]

I'll do some checking today for you if I can get there .. But at LKQ U-Pull It on Columbia Blvd. in Portland there is at least 2 GMC's there and I know of 2 in Boring at a Yard there .. Good Luck !!!:

[mrkc]

Thanks, I'll give them a call.

[mrkc]

Just called them...didn't realize they don't inventory their parts
I'll check next time I'm in Portland.