1971 SWB 4x4 drivetrain questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

nickv6266 · 01-14-2012, 02:49 AM

Just bought a 71 swb 4x4 that has some later model 70s axles under it . Im wanting to put this truck back to 1/2 ton as its not going to be off road much.Im wanting to put this truck back close to original. It now has 14 bolt rear and not sure up front but it is 8 lug. Im not a 4x4 guy im mostly into muscle cars and 68 2wd C10s. What would be the most cost effective way to switch this back to 1/2 ton, Im assuming switch the complete rear back to 12 bolt, Is there anyway to leave the front alone and just put 6 lug rotors? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

**special-K** · 01-14-2012, 10:17 AM

You could switch the knuckles-out,but I think just swapping the whoe axle is the easiest. And,if you want it close to original you'll want a Dana44 if it now has a 10-bot. It could be a Dana44. If you showed pictures we could tell you. I think 1/2t axles are pretty easy to find for not a whole lot of money.

Mike C · 01-14-2012, 10:39 AM

If you are going to run any size tire (Larger than 31's) I would keep the 8 lug axles and their MUCH larger brakes.

But if you are going to get rid of them, know EXACTLY what you have before doing this. You might have a Dana 60 in the front and both axles could have traction enhancing differentials which adds significantly to the value.

A Dana 60/14 Bolt combo with Detroits should be worth $2000 while a pair of 1/2 ton axles MIGHT bring $500. MIGHT.

nickv6266 · 01-14-2012, 04:55 PM

What would be the best donor front and rear axles to go with for this setup. Ive heard something about welding new perches on for certain axles, Can someone enlighten me on that. Thanks

Mr. 250r · 01-14-2012, 05:39 PM

welding new perches usually goes along with using an axle from a different truck like in my case i used a 2005 full floater and had to move the perches inward 3in on each side i think, or lets say using an old 1 ton full floater under a regular cab 1/2 ton the 1 tons frame is narrower making the spring perches sit closer in on the axle although the axle is still the same width if im correct, hope thats not confusing lol

**special-K** · 01-15-2012, 01:15 PM

Look for axles from a rotted out 69-72 Blazer,Burb,or truck. I actually have one ('72 Blazer) but am too far away to do you any good. I also just sold my '71 K/10 SWB and I'm pretty sure that guy wasn't interested in the axles. But,again,he's only about 150 miles closer. Wait,that's right,my Blazer is at my mom's right near where he is. Anyway...too far,right?

nickv6266 · 01-15-2012, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

Look for axles from a rotted out 69-72 Blazer,Burb,or truck. I actually have one ('72 Blazer) but am too far away to do you any good. I also just sold my '71 K/10 SWB and I'm pretty sure that guy wasn't interested in the axles. But,again,he's only about 150 miles closer. Wait,that's right,my Blazer is at my mom's right near where he is. Anyway...too far,right?

Yeah that is too far. I know of a 72 blazer here in town for sale that is pretty rusty I wonder what axles it would have from factory.

**special-K** · 01-16-2012, 08:53 AM

It will have the same axles. If it's an automatic it will have 3.08s and a manual will have 3.73s,unless it lists an optional ratio.

01-14-2012, 02:49 AM	#1
nickv6266 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Arkansas city Kansas Posts: 398	1971 SWB 4x4 drivetrain questions Just bought a 71 swb 4x4 that has some later model 70s axles under it . Im wanting to put this truck back to 1/2 ton as its not going to be off road much.Im wanting to put this truck back close to original. It now has 14 bolt rear and not sure up front but it is 8 lug. Im not a 4x4 guy im mostly into muscle cars and 68 2wd C10s. What would be the most cost effective way to switch this back to 1/2 ton, Im assuming switch the complete rear back to 12 bolt, Is there anyway to leave the front alone and just put 6 lug rotors? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

01-14-2012, 10:17 AM	#2
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,862	Re: 1971 SWB 4x4 drivetrain questions You could switch the knuckles-out,but I think just swapping the whoe axle is the easiest. And,if you want it close to original you'll want a Dana44 if it now has a 10-bot. It could be a Dana44. If you showed pictures we could tell you. I think 1/2t axles are pretty easy to find for not a whole lot of money. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

01-14-2012, 10:39 AM	#3
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,714	Re: 1971 SWB 4x4 drivetrain questions If you are going to run any size tire (Larger than 31's) I would keep the 8 lug axles and their MUCH larger brakes. But if you are going to get rid of them, know EXACTLY what you have before doing this. You might have a Dana 60 in the front and both axles could have traction enhancing differentials which adds significantly to the value. A Dana 60/14 Bolt combo with Detroits should be worth $2000 while a pair of 1/2 ton axles MIGHT bring $500. MIGHT. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

01-14-2012, 04:55 PM	#4
nickv6266 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Arkansas city Kansas Posts: 398	Re: 1971 SWB 4x4 drivetrain questions What would be the best donor front and rear axles to go with for this setup. Ive heard something about welding new perches on for certain axles, Can someone enlighten me on that. Thanks

01-14-2012, 05:39 PM	#5
Mr. 250r Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: freeburg, illinois Posts: 885	Re: 1971 SWB 4x4 drivetrain questions welding new perches usually goes along with using an axle from a different truck like in my case i used a 2005 full floater and had to move the perches inward 3in on each side i think, or lets say using an old 1 ton full floater under a regular cab 1/2 ton the 1 tons frame is narrower making the spring perches sit closer in on the axle although the axle is still the same width if im correct, hope thats not confusing lol __________________ 1987 Chevy V30 - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=573854 1988 IROC-Z Camaro - 305/T5 T-Top 1989 GMC V35 - Marbolo Express http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=596850 1991 V2500 Suburban Silverado - Sold 1991 V2500 Suburban Scottsdale - Big Nasty http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=497423 2001 Ram 3500 5.9 H.O NV56 EC DRW - Sold 2003 1500 Silverado 2004 Ram 3500 5.9 H.O NV56 CC DRW - Sold 2005 Silverado 2500HD 6.6/ZF6 CC LWB

01-15-2012, 01:15 PM	#6
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,862	Re: 1971 SWB 4x4 drivetrain questions Look for axles from a rotted out 69-72 Blazer,Burb,or truck. I actually have one ('72 Blazer) but am too far away to do you any good. I also just sold my '71 K/10 SWB and I'm pretty sure that guy wasn't interested in the axles. But,again,he's only about 150 miles closer. Wait,that's right,my Blazer is at my mom's right near where he is. Anyway...too far,right? __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

01-16-2012, 08:53 AM	#8
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,862	Re: 1971 SWB 4x4 drivetrain questions It will have the same axles. If it's an automatic it will have 3.08s and a manual will have 3.73s,unless it lists an optional ratio. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~



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