need help picking a new rear end

[Se7en Deuce]

Ive tried searching but im not coming up with answers a noob can undestand

I have a 72 c20 LWB 3/4 ton 8 lug pickup with coil springs
(hope that was enough info ^ )

truck was pretty well maintained and runs excellent, so I figured the 1st mod I wanna do is to lower it.

Found a kit for 1700, but this will change my bolt pattern in front to a 5 lug, naturally I want the rear to be the same. Im hoping to find a used 5 lug rear end locally.
My questions is: what will fit, should I look for one with Posi Traction and what gear ratio should i look for, I intend to build up motor at a later time.

sorry for the noob questions but Ive searched alot today and just didnt see any straight foward answers.

thanks for any help

[usmcchevy]

Sounds like it would be cheaper to find a 1/2 ton in a junk yard some place and switch out everything front and rear. 1700 is a lot of money, how big of a drop are you going for?
Posi- Yes get posi if you can
Gears depends on a few things. what do you plan on using the truck for? lots of highway use? how big of wheels do you plan on running?

[Sinister]

How big a drop are you looking for?

[Se7en Deuce]

so far from what ive seen in some peoples pics
5 1/2 drop in front and 6 in the rear
static drop.

Im sure my truck was meant for hauling and pulling but I dont intend on doing anything but cruising and ocassionaly small loads in the bed.

what would it cost to do air bags?
15 inch wheels probably
not alot of highway use

[Jacfourteen]

what tranny you planning on running? also the overall height of the tire is more important than the wheel size, the typical height is around 27-28" tall. If you're planning on running a tranny with overdrive a 3.73 would be a good choice, if not then maybe run a 3.08. That's my opinion anyways.

[Se7en Deuce]

Originally Posted by Jacfourteen

what tranny you planning on running? also the overall height of the tire is more important than the wheel size, the typical height is around 27-28" tall. If you're planning on running a tranny with overdrive a 3.73 would be a good choice, if not then maybe run a 3.08. That's my opinion anyways.

to be honest I havent gotten that far yet, Im focused on lowering and I thought buying a kit would be easier for me since I know very little about these trucks.

When I called about the kit the guy told me I should find a rear end with 5 lug since his kit changed my 8 to 5 lug in the front.

sound right??
anyway thats all Im tryin to accomplish right now and since I have to get a new rear end I thought Id ask yall for some help.

Thank you for the tranny input though I will consider it when I get there

[usmcchevy]

Originally Posted by Jacfourteen

also the overall height of the tire is more important than the wheel size, the typical height is around 27-28" tall.

Thats what I was trying to get across......my bad

[Sinisterspeed]

Im with them.

You could probably find one of these trucks thats all rusted out but still moves for cheap. 71-72 1/2 ton 2wd. disk brake front and 5 lug all the way around. Then you could buy the drop you want. Drop spindles for a 2-300 and blocks or lowering springs. Will have everything you need to swap it all over. Find one of those swap all the parts you want. then call the scrap guy to get some money back after your done.

[Se7en Deuce]

Originally Posted by Sinisterspeed

Im with them.

You could probably find one of these trucks thats all rusted out but still moves for cheap. 71-72 1/2 ton 2wd. disk brake front and 5 lug all the way around. Then you could buy the drop you want. Drop spindles for a 2-300 and blocks or lowering springs. Will have everything you need to swap it all over. Find one of those swap all the parts you want. then call the scrap guy to get some money back after your done.

ok good info

i found a couple set ups fron and rear for around 5-600 locally

1 guys has a complete good cond frame with everthing attached

I work in a shop where we could swap the body over so Im considering that route.
what u guys think???

[chopped68]

you could do a static drop(4 springs / 4 shocks)for a lot less money.depending on how far you go,you might need what is called a bolt in
"c" notch for the rear.I would keep the truck 8 lug though.I'm sure there is a drop spindle for 3/4 ton trucks too.8 bullet lug nuts on a smooth 15 " rally style wheel will look cool!

[Sinisterspeed]

Here is a guy that sells what your looking for near me. Maybe you could either find someone near you doing the same thing or work something out. Not sure but at least I might help you with pricing these components.

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/pts/1563752324.html
350.00 for Complete Front Dropout with disk and rear to match.