'66 Rear Axle Swap

[Hugh_Jarse]

Hello from Across the Pond,

I am in the process of updating/customising my '66 fleetside - along similar line to PJ_Styles truck - that is one wicked truck to aspire to !!

Anyway my question is I am wanting to change the rear to 5-stud axle since I have been offered a '65 Impala rear (cheap)!
Does anyone know if a '65 Impala would be the correct width to fit under my fleetside ?

I shall post some pictures once I get my camera downloading onto my computer.

Just as a little info I hve already fitted a 283 and TH350, since the back lights where missing I have frenched in some '39 tailights, fitted a louvered boxed roll-pan and louvered tailgate cover and just shaved the door handles and fitted solonoids.

Now I am starting to get serious and looking at fitting air-bags since seeing PJ_Styles truck....

Thanks for any info.


Chris

[highboy_04]

i dont think the car rear will work. look for a 71 or 72 chevy and you can get the disc 5 lug front end and 5 lug rear axle. goodluck

[ed455]

My 66 has a 72 rear end and front crossmember in it with the 5 on 5 lug pattern. The 72 rearend is about 1.5 inches wider aand has substantially bigger drum brakes. The wider rearend actually looks better as the wheels look like they fill the fenders better. On the downside, with the truck lowered 4' in the rear, I need to roll the fender lip in so they don't scrub my sidewalls when I nail it or hit a large bump. Also, I believe the standard 66 rearend had 3.73 gears where the standard 72 rearend has 3.07 gears. I am going to install the 3.73 gears back in the 72 rearend.
Ed