rear axle shafts

[71PICKEMUP]

Can someone please confirm for me whether the '63 C10 twelve bolt axle shafts are interchangeable with '65 twelve bolt axle shafts other than the spline count? Can I use the '65 axles in my '63 housing with a '65 up 12 bolt carrier?

[Captainfab]

The axle shaft length is the same from 1963 thru early 1970. The '63 & '64 12 bolts had the 17 spline axles and corresponding spider gears. The 30 spline axles started in 1965. So yes you should be able to install '65 internals into a '62 truck 12 bolt housing. Keep in mind that since the '63 truck 12 bolt has pressed on backing plates, you will not be able to upgrade the brakes to either the wider drums or disc brakes without cutting and welding.

Originally Posted by 71PICKEMUP

Can someone please confirm for me whether the '63 C10 twelve bolt axle shafts are interchangeable with '65 twelve bolt axle shafts other than the spline count? Can I use the '65 axles in my '63 housing with a '65 up 12 bolt carrier?

[71PICKEMUP]

Thank you Captainfab. I scored a deal on a nice, complete rear out of a '66 last night off of Craigslist. I think I will drop the whole unit into my '63, just gotta figure out which way to go with the panhard bar mount difference.

[Captainfab]

If you have the short panhard bar, it will work if you put a slight bend in the frame end. It is not ideal, but will work. Of course a longer panhard bar is better, and an adjustable one is better yet.