Axle swap question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Sklptrljay · 06-03-2014, 12:48 PM

I'm usually on the 67-72 board. I have a question for you guys.

Can I swap axles between a 4WD 6 lug and 2WD 5 lug 73-87 without modifications?

Thanks.

Ski-me · 06-03-2014, 02:14 PM

I believe the spring perches are the same on the 1/2 tons. If you get up to 1 tons, they may be different. You also need to verify the u-joint is the same, as well as the shock mounts.

As an FYI, I put a "same era" 8-lug SF axle under my 1/2 Blazer. Bolted right up and I was also able to use the e-brake on the new axle. I did have to upgrade my u-joint though. There is usually a conversion u-joint if needed.

If you were closer I'd have a 3.73 axle for you.....

Sklptrljay · 06-03-2014, 04:14 PM

Thanks for the response. I guess I should have been a little more specific. I am wondering if the axles themselves will swap into different rear ends (4WD/2WD). There is a 6 lug air locker for sale here and I was thinking if I could get 5 lug axles from a 1\2 ton to fit it would be perfect. I currently have a 5 lug 71 1/2 ton it would have to match.

SCOTI · 06-03-2014, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sklptrljay

Thanks for the response. I guess I should have been a little more specific. I am wondering if the axles themselves will swap into different rear ends (4WD/2WD). There is a 6 lug air locker for sale here and I was thinking if I could get 5 lug axles from a 1\2 ton to fit it would be perfect. I currently have a 5 lug 71 1/2 ton it would have to match.

Yes. With the 73-87 housings, they're the same spline & length.

gchemist · 06-03-2014, 05:23 PM

Yes, 12 and 10 bolt axels can go from 6 bolt to 5 bolt axels. But not with the other as far I know.

TwoFiftyShifter · 06-03-2014, 07:26 PM

I had the same query. Blew a 84 K10 rear, buddy has an 86 C10 rear I can take. Both 10bolt 3.08.

I haven't done the swap yet, but it sounds like the axle shafts are the same splines, huh?

SCOTI · 06-04-2014, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwoFiftyShifter

I had the same query. Blew a 84 K10 rear, buddy has an 86 C10 rear I can take. Both 10bolt 3.08.

I haven't done the swap yet, but it sounds like the axle shafts are the same splines, huh?

Correct.

Ski-me · 06-04-2014, 07:01 PM

I believe there is a spline difference in the front axle only (4x4) and it's either 87+ or 89+ that has 30 splines (if I recall correctly).

06-03-2014, 12:48 PM	#1
Sklptrljay Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma Posts: 874	Axle swap question I'm usually on the 67-72 board. I have a question for you guys. Can I swap axles between a 4WD 6 lug and 2WD 5 lug 73-87 without modifications? Thanks. __________________ 1971 C/10 SWB, 15x8 Rallys, 4.5" X 7" static drop, C-notched, 350/350, 3.73 Posi. .........A 383 and Gear Vendors are on my bucket list. 1972 GMC 4X4 K1500 Survivor - Sold No matter what problems life throws at you, your time on Earth can be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding.....if you just lower your expectations. -Phil Dunphy

06-03-2014, 02:14 PM	#2
Ski-me Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Colo Springs, CO Posts: 870	Re: Axle swap question I believe the spring perches are the same on the 1/2 tons. If you get up to 1 tons, they may be different. You also need to verify the u-joint is the same, as well as the shock mounts. As an FYI, I put a "same era" 8-lug SF axle under my 1/2 Blazer. Bolted right up and I was also able to use the e-brake on the new axle. I did have to upgrade my u-joint though. There is usually a conversion u-joint if needed. If you were closer I'd have a 3.73 axle for you..... __________________ - Jeff 89' K5 Blazer, 2.5" lift, 35" tires 04' GMC Yukon XL, 3/4 ton, 8.1L

06-03-2014, 04:14 PM	#3
Sklptrljay Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma Posts: 874	Re: Axle swap question Thanks for the response. I guess I should have been a little more specific. I am wondering if the axles themselves will swap into different rear ends (4WD/2WD). There is a 6 lug air locker for sale here and I was thinking if I could get 5 lug axles from a 1\2 ton to fit it would be perfect. I currently have a 5 lug 71 1/2 ton it would have to match. __________________ 1971 C/10 SWB, 15x8 Rallys, 4.5" X 7" static drop, C-notched, 350/350, 3.73 Posi. .........A 383 and Gear Vendors are on my bucket list. 1972 GMC 4X4 K1500 Survivor - Sold No matter what problems life throws at you, your time on Earth can be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding.....if you just lower your expectations. -Phil Dunphy

06-03-2014, 05:23 PM	#5
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Re: Axle swap question Yes, 12 and 10 bolt axels can go from 6 bolt to 5 bolt axels. But not with the other as far I know. __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

06-03-2014, 07:26 PM	#6
TwoFiftyShifter Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Gwinnett GA Posts: 1,803	Re: Axle swap question I had the same query. Blew a 84 K10 rear, buddy has an 86 C10 rear I can take. Both 10bolt 3.08. I haven't done the swap yet, but it sounds like the axle shafts are the same splines, huh? __________________ 1982 K10 SWB 1987 V20 - Sold - Doh!

06-04-2014, 07:01 PM	#8
Ski-me Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Colo Springs, CO Posts: 870	Re: Axle swap question I believe there is a spline difference in the front axle only (4x4) and it's either 87+ or 89+ that has 30 splines (if I recall correctly). __________________ - Jeff 89' K5 Blazer, 2.5" lift, 35" tires 04' GMC Yukon XL, 3/4 ton, 8.1L



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