12 bolt to 10 bolt swap?

[veinbar]

I have a GM 12 bolt 3.08 rear in my '79 Bonanza. Can this be swapped out with a GM 10 bolt off of a '78 chevy sport van? The 12 bolt I have is in serious need of an overhaul, or I can swap to a free and healthy 10 bolt rear. Is this possible? What problems will I run into?

[ont_guy_38]

Not sure if the width is the same but if it is and everything else is the same (shock mount , spring perches widths) then the only other thing might be a new ujoint .

[Pyrotechnic]

My dad researched this some time ago and I believe the conclusion was that the spring perches were a different width and it was not bolt in. Not sure about track width though.

The correct rear ends for these trucks are pretty common and keep in mind that a Suburban rear will work too. You can probably find one that is in good enough shape to run for a decent price.

Of course if you have a welder and some time to relocate the spring perches and shock mounts, then the free 10 bolt is probably the cheapest route. Especially if it has some desirable gears or a posi. Just make sure the track width will work under the truck.