Front Axle swap

[Slowclimb]

just found a 1987 4x4 3/4 ton front axle 6 lug from a pickup
will this work in the 66 Suburban transfer case is there as well not sure what it is yet.

This will keep the 6 lug appearance if it will work?

thanks for your thoughts

[Captainfab]

Yes that 10 bolt will work. If it is 6 lug it is a 1/2 ton not a 3/4 ton. Be aware that your front and rear gear ratio needs to be the same or very close. That '87 should have a NP208 transfer case, which is a married unit. You would be best off to get the trans along with it.

[Slowclimb]

Thanks for the reply
The Donner axle is in a 1987 pickup with 6 lugs and I'm pretty sure its a 3/4 ton truck I will check the registration on it.

The 66 suburban axle is a 6 lug as well but I understand its a 1/2 ton due to the era it was built.

So if I understand you correctly this unit should work as long as I switch the gearing to match the 3:73 in the rear axle. Would the power steering unit from the same 87 truck work as well with the proper mounting hardware.

I will change the gear box with the transfer case as well since I have it. 283 engine was optioned in which is nice at least its number matching.

Thanks again.

[Slowclimb]

I get it now did some more reading. The front axle is a half ton with the 6 studs from the 87 pickup. Need to look if it's a corporate or a Dana 44 clued in thx for the patience for all the questions.

[Captainfab]

An '87 will have the corporate 10 bolt. Depending on what tires you plan to run, consider swapping the rear differential from the '87 also. Yes the '87 steering box and draglink will work on your Suburban with one of my steering box adapter plates.

[Slowclimb]

I will certainly contact you for that thx
The current rear is a 12 bolt axle is it still worth changing
The 87 rear axle in?

[Captainfab]

IMO the 12 bolt is a better differential than the 8.5" 10 bolt that will be under the '87. However it is a matter of how you will be using the truck and whether or not you need to change gears in either the front or rear to get them to match. Your budget also plays a part in that decision.

Originally Posted by Slowclimb

I will certainly contact you for that thx
The current rear is a 12 bolt axle is it still worth changing
The 87 rear axle in?

[Slowclimb]

General driving it will be my work truck nothing like style.
I will change the gears in the front only then to match the rear.
I will post pics when I can again thx for your insites.