Rear end Options

[D-n-Tyke]

Looking at a possible donor rear end to put under a 1968 C20. Looking to convert the truck to 5 lug, using a full 1987 C10 cross member for the front just not sure what is the best, most available option for the rear end? What have you guys had success using?
Thanks for the help on this one.

[gmc684x4]

I would suggest 12 bolt 71 72 73 to 80 ish have 12 bolts as well you can weld up the u bolt mounts and use a aftermarket track bar that will bolt up to the truck arms Western Chassis is one place you can look
if leaf sprung rear sqb diff should bolt right in
10 bolts hold up fairly well and get maligned more due to the car and s10 sharing the 10 bolt moniker for a smaller ring and pinion

[Mike C]

Use the same '87 trucks 10 bolt would be fine. The only difference in strength between the 10 bolt and the 12 you give up is 28 spline axles instead of 30. It will be no problem. 10 bolts have a bad reputation because of the 8.2" that existed from the early 60's to the early 70's. The 8.5" is plenty stout and in '88 on the OSB trucks they went to 30 spline axles as well.

[old51sedan]

I believe you guys missed the fact that he wants to convert to 5 lug. I'm sure he will also need to change rear springs if he goes with the front end from a C/10.

[Jiggers72-GMC]

There's a 5 lug conversion kit available also,

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...7X8F0pY5m6uXh8

[old51sedan]

Originally Posted by Jiggers72-GMC

There's a 5 lug conversion kit available also,

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...7X8F0pY5m6uXh8

Tell me if I'm wrong or not, but isn't the 5 lug conversion kit only for going from 1/2 ton 6 lug to 5 lug? I would think the 3/4 ton rear would be more heavy duty and axles may be bigger and different splines.