'64 C-20 rear end swap info

[polarisman340]

Hello all. Newbie here. I just picked up a '64 C-20 2wd fleetside lwb project. I've read through the wealth of info on the front disc brake swap options, and I'm planning on a complete crossmember swap with all related components from a '78 C-10 5 lug. Now for the rear. I read in here that the '71 C-10 is a 5 lug coil rear. I've got the 8 lug full floater coil rear. Is that '71 rear end a direct bolt in? I'm aware that the '71 rear is a bit wider, but I'm not worried about that. Just concerned as to whether or not all the mounts are in the same location, '64 axle to '71 axle. Any info is greatly appreciated!!!!!

P.S. Thanks to all that have contributed info here. I don't think I would have picked up this truck if I didn't have all this info available on swaps, setups, builds, parts, etc....
You guys rock!!!!

[Clyde65]

is the 71 a leaf or coil setup?

[polarisman340]

The '71 is a coil setup. Both rear ends are coil with trailing arm.

[chevyrestoguy]

A '71 rear will bolt right in. It will be 1.5" wider than your current rear.

I did just what you are planning to do (crossmember swap, etc) on my '64 C-20, except I used the 12-bolt out of my donor '79 Suburban. Feel free to ask any questions when you start to do the swap to yours.

[Captainfab]

Yes the '71-'72 12 bolt will bolt right up to the trailing arms. However, there will not be a bracket to bolt the '64 panhard bar to. You can either cut the bracket off of the Eaton HO52, and weld it to the 12 bolt, or use the panhard bar from the '71-'72 C10. If you go with the latter, you may need to put a slight bend in the panhard bar to get the bolt holes to line up on both ends. This is because the bracket on the frame is not at the correct angle for the short panhard bar.

Additionally you can go with a '73-'82 12 bolt. It is the same width as the '71-'72 12 bolt, but you will just have to weld on a set of trailing arm mounts, as well as a panhard bar mount. In my area, the '73-'82 12 bolts are much easier to come by, and much less $$ when you do.

[polarisman340]

The main reason I'd like to stick to the '71 rear end is I already have one available, so it's best for my budget to stick to the '71. Captainfab, thanks for the info on the panhard bar. I'll make sure to grab the '71 panhard bar when I pickup the '71 rear end & see what it takes to make it fit. Thanks again guys!!!

[Captainfab]

If you have located a '71 12 bolt that is in good condition, I say go for it.

[joeydirt]

Im looking to do the same thing, if I swap in a 73-87 c10 rear will the driveshaft length still work as well as the ujoint?

[bmur66]

I am planning on swapping to front discs on mine in the future but sticking with 8 lug front and rear using a POL front disc kit

[joeydirt]

Originally Posted by chevyrestoguy

A '71 rear will bolt right in. It will be 1.5" wider than your current rear.
.

Would a 67 rear be the same width?

[Captainfab]

The '63 to early '70 12 bolts are all 62" wide. The 'late '70 to '87, 10 and 12 bolts are 63.5" wide.

Originally Posted by joeydirt

Would a 67 rear be the same width?

[joeydirt]

thanks captian fab

whats the best route to go if Im trying to end up with 5 lug disk on a 67 rear? Once I have 5 lugs does any of the methods for making a 73-87 rear work?

[joeydirt]

Originally Posted by joeydirt

thanks captian fab

whats the best route to go if Im trying to end up with 5 lug disk on a 67 rear? Once I have 5 lugs does any of the methods for making a 73-87 rear work?

heh I guess I should have read your signature
I picked up a 67 12 bolt today so Ill be ordering your impala caliper brackets in the near future.

[Captainfab]

To convert a '67 12 bolt to the 5x5 wheel stud pattern you can either have your original axles plugged and redrilled, and the hub register machined, or you can just buy the new conversion axles. Before putting any money in your original axles, check the wheel/axle bearing surface to see if they are worn. If they are, I would go with the new aftermarket conversion axles.