2002 Chevy 1500 donor rear axle question

[drmatera]

So I've done a bit of searching but haven't really got what I need. I just bought the engine / trans out of a 2002 Chevy 1/2 ton truck, has anyone used the rear out of the later model trucks? Owner says it's 3.42 posi and the rear in my 65 GMC is questionable ( there is a bullet hole in the diff cover lol )

any input is greatly appreciated

[Captainfab]

Aside from the 2002 differential being about 2.750" wider than your Dana 44 differential and having larger Metric wheel studs, you will have to cut off the spring perches and shock mounts. Then weld on new spring perches and shock mounts in the correct location for your '65 GMC and with the pinion angle correct. I assume your '65 GMC has leaf springs?

[drmatera]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Aside from the 2002 differential being about 2.750" wider than your Dana 44 differential and having larger Metric wheel studs, you will have to cut off the spring perches and shock mounts. Then weld on new spring perches and shock mounts in the correct location for your '65 GMC and with the pinion angle correct. I assume your '65 GMC has leaf springs?

Ok so it is wider by that much huh? I'll have to decide if rebuilding the 44 will be easier than upgrading to the newer unit. Thanks for the info

[LostMy65]

Would a 12-bolt from a 73-87 bolt right in?

[62stepside longbox]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

Would a 12-bolt from a 73-87 bolt right in?

That's what I was thinking since both the 73-87 trucks and his gmc use leaf springs, as long as the leaf springs are the same distance apart I don't see why not. Keep in mind the later rear ends are 3" wider

[Captainfab]

While a '73-'82 12 bolt or '83-'87 10 bolt will have leaf spring pads, they are a little farther apart than what is needed for the early GMC's. However the spring bushings in the GMC may be loose enough that it will still bolt up. I have done this once. It isn't correct, but will work in a pinch. But the shock mounts will not be correct for the GMC. The correct way would be to move the spring pads as well as the shock mounts.

Originally Posted by LostMy65

Would a 12-bolt from a 73-87 bolt right in?

Originally Posted by 62stepside longbox

That's what I was thinking since both the 73-87 trucks and his gmc use leaf springs, as long as the leaf springs are the same distance apart I don't see why not. Keep in mind the later rear ends are 3" wider

[drmatera]

well I picked up my 5.3 from JP's Muscle Cars and took some measurements on the 2002 truck rear. The spring pads are 49" apart center to center and the rotor face (where the wheels bolt up) are 69" across. The bed itself is barely 72" so I don't think she'll work unless I narrow it.

[Captainfab]

The '63 to early 70 truck 12 bolts and also the Dana 44's have a WMS to WMS measurement of 62". So yeah, that differential is 7" wider. It is wider than what info I have indicated.