buying new differentials-what years to look for

[Robin]

I have a 72 cab on a 69 frame,

Everything is going well so far, just got a 350 GM crate motor for it


But....I removed the drums and it's not real pretty. Lots of rusted parts, drums look ok, wheel cylinders shot on every wheel. Looking at the cost of replacement drums for the rear, and I can't find new ones for the front, I wonder if I should just look for later model axles.

So what years axles should I look for? The truck will be used for everyday work, nothing beyond what it was designed for, maybe a lightweight slide on camper but that's about it. I'm looking for an easy bolt in system, something that won't cost alot of unnecessary expense. I don't weld and to get it welded before I can drive it would require a flatbed exspense. I would also like to be able to use my old driveshafts.
Any ideas?
Thanks

[obijuan]

one ton rear axles all the way to 91 share the same spring perches and ujoint. its a 1350 yoke. ebrake cables changed at some point from bolt in to spring clip in. for the sake of ease, 70s are bolt in and 80s are clip in. any chevy front axle will bolt in up to 91 as well. the calipers switched from standard banjo bolts to metric somewhere around the same time. standard 70s and metric 80s. just get parts for an extreme, 73 or 87.



it also looks like you have stacked blocks in the rear. id remove those as quickly as you can for your safety and everyone who shares the road.

[Robin]

Originally Posted by obijuan

it also looks like you have stacked blocks in the rear. id remove those as quickly as you can for your safety and everyone who shares the road.

Thanks for that quick reply, very informative and gives me a good start in my search for parts.

I didn't like the look of that old "stacked block" lift but I didn't realize it was a real saftey hazard. Thanks for the heads up, I'll replace it for sure when I replace the rear.