Another ‘65 C20 14-bolt conversion - Page 2 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

azdeltawye · 10-29-2014, 03:41 PM

I forgot to bring this up earlier in the thread and figured it was worth mentioning now.

The original Eaton rear end has approx. 3” o.d. axle tubes whereas the 14-bolt has 3.25” o.d. tubes. The larger diameter tube interferes with the U-bolts due to the trailing arm angle (not perpendicular to the axle). And as such requires some clearancing of the axle tubes with a die grinder to make the U-bolts fit. I removed about 1/8” of material from each side where the inside of the U-bolt touches the axle tube. You can see in the pic below how the axle tube is larger than the distance between the U-bolt holes in the perches.

Like I said I forgot to mention this before and another member who was doing a similar conversion brought this up as a concern.

Jahloha · 11-16-2014, 01:55 AM

I appreciate this write up tremendously! I just purchased a 14B and am prepping for a similar swap.

I have bookmarked this thread.

Again, thank you so much!

Is it possible to get custom u bolts made to fit the larger spacing?

azdeltawye · 11-17-2014, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jahloha

I appreciate this write up tremendously! …
Is it possible to get custom u bolts made to fit the larger spacing?

Thanks!
Sure I suppose you could get larger U-bolts to clear the larger axle tubes. However that would require slotting the holes in the trailing arms and shock mount plates to fit. Seems like a lot more work than notching the tube…

**LostMy65** · 11-19-2014, 02:48 AM

I didn't re-use the original narrower diameter eaton axle u-bolts , I took my Captainfab saddles down to a local shop, and they made me new U-Bolts.
Here is the link;
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...89#post5689589

jakelund · 04-01-2016, 04:16 PM

Lost My65, does the new U-bolts with larger spacing (for the larger 14B tubes) fit the holes in the trailing arms? Or did you have to enlarge the holes in the trailing arms?

I'm in process of doing this but don't know if I should buy original bolts and perches or what..?

**LostMy65** · 04-01-2016, 04:44 PM

I had no trouble getting the new U-Bolts through the holes in the Trailing Arms.

jakelund · 04-01-2016, 05:40 PM

Ok, thanks

And thank you for an interesting and informative thread, nice truck you have there!

50bomb · 12-10-2017, 09:58 AM

bump to the top for a killer looking truck and build. Love the rear end swap!

azdeltawye · 12-11-2017, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 50bomb

bump to the top for a killer looking truck and build. Love the rear end swap!

Thanks!
One of these years I'll get around to upgrading with a True Trac & 4.57 gears.

Darren

**rideblue00** · 12-12-2017, 06:37 AM

very good write-up, subscribed as I may have to do this on my c20 someday

**rideblue00** · 01-03-2018, 12:13 PM

I would imagine that its better to drill the clearance hole bigger in the perch, than reducing axle tube diameter. That will create a weak spot...may not be an issue, but none the less it will weaken them. U-bolts should be available from local trailer supply shops or online of course. Or custom made, better be careful that they aren't too soft though.

**Captainfab** · 01-04-2018, 12:12 AM

The issue is not just the hole spacing on the 14 bolt trailing arm mounts that I make. It is also the spacing of the holes that go thru the trailing arm. Those will have to be spread farther apart as well.

Personally I don't think that grinding a 1/16" or so groove into the 3/8" thick axle tube is going to weaken the axle tube significantly enough to cause an issue.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rideblue00

I would imagine that its better to drill the clearance hole bigger in the perch, than reducing axle tube diameter. That will create a weak spot...may not be an issue, but none the less it will weaken them. U-bolts should be available from local trailer supply shops or online of course. Or custom made, better be careful that they aren't too soft though.

71'tahoe · 01-13-2018, 05:28 PM

Great write up! Good looking truck also! I like that you are still working your old truck!

Captainfab How much you getting out of a set of axle perches?

**Captainfab** · 01-14-2018, 12:22 AM

Here is the for sale thread.

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=620836

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71'tahoe

Great write up! Good looking truck also! I like that you are still working your old truck!

Captainfab How much you getting out of a set of axle perches?

marco02_ · 04-03-2019, 10:28 AM

I have a question since i am in the middle of doing this conversion did you have to get the brake hose custom made or were you able to find one off the shelf? Also what is the length of your pan hard bar because i am trying to replicate it for my c20. Thanks in advance.

10-29-2014, 03:41 PM	#1
azdeltawye Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Tucson, Az Posts: 46	Re: Another ‘65 C20 14-bolt conversion I forgot to bring this up earlier in the thread and figured it was worth mentioning now. The original Eaton rear end has approx. 3” o.d. axle tubes whereas the 14-bolt has 3.25” o.d. tubes. The larger diameter tube interferes with the U-bolts due to the trailing arm angle (not perpendicular to the axle). And as such requires some clearancing of the axle tubes with a die grinder to make the U-bolts fit. I removed about 1/8” of material from each side where the inside of the U-bolt touches the axle tube. You can see in the pic below how the axle tube is larger than the distance between the U-bolt holes in the perches. Like I said I forgot to mention this before and another member who was doing a similar conversion brought this up as a concern. __________________ 1965 C20, 350 cid, '71 front Disc brakes, NV4500 5-spd, 4.10 FF 14-bolt

11-16-2014, 01:55 AM	#2
Jahloha Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Anaheim, CA Posts: 526	Re: Another ‘65 C20 14-bolt conversion I appreciate this write up tremendously! I just purchased a 14B and am prepping for a similar swap. I have bookmarked this thread. Again, thank you so much! Is it possible to get custom u bolts made to fit the larger spacing? __________________ -JASON My grandpa, Gramps, won a 1970 C20 in 1969 for $1. I'm on a mission to restore it before he passes. My 1970 C20 Build Thread

11-19-2014, 02:48 AM	#4
LostMy65 But Found Her 25yrs Later! Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Oregon City, Oregon Posts: 10,507	Re: Another ‘65 C20 14-bolt conversion I didn't re-use the original narrower diameter eaton axle u-bolts , I took my Captainfab saddles down to a local shop, and they made me new U-Bolts. Here is the link; http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...89#post5689589 __________________ I lost my 65 - Found it 25 years later: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=426650 66 C20 Service Truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=428035 Last edited by LostMy65; 04-01-2016 at 04:40 PM.

04-01-2016, 04:16 PM	#5
jakelund Registered User Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Sweden Posts: 2	Re: Another ‘65 C20 14-bolt conversion Lost My65, does the new U-bolts with larger spacing (for the larger 14B tubes) fit the holes in the trailing arms? Or did you have to enlarge the holes in the trailing arms? I'm in process of doing this but don't know if I should buy original bolts and perches or what..?

04-01-2016, 04:44 PM	#6
LostMy65 But Found Her 25yrs Later! Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Oregon City, Oregon Posts: 10,507	Re: Another ‘65 C20 14-bolt conversion I had no trouble getting the new U-Bolts through the holes in the Trailing Arms. __________________ I lost my 65 - Found it 25 years later: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=426650 66 C20 Service Truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=428035

04-01-2016, 05:40 PM	#7
jakelund Registered User Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Sweden Posts: 2	Re: Another ‘65 C20 14-bolt conversion Ok, thanks And thank you for an interesting and informative thread, nice truck you have there!

12-10-2017, 09:58 AM	#8
50bomb Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Hemet,Ca Posts: 1,502	Re: Another ‘65 C20 14-bolt conversion bump to the top for a killer looking truck and build. Love the rear end swap! __________________ Stovebolt-It is painted

12-12-2017, 06:37 AM	#10
rideblue00 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Lambertville, MI Posts: 1,856	Re: Another ‘65 C20 14-bolt conversion very good write-up, subscribed as I may have to do this on my c20 someday

01-03-2018, 12:13 PM	#11
rideblue00 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Lambertville, MI Posts: 1,856	Re: Another ‘65 C20 14-bolt conversion I would imagine that its better to drill the clearance hole bigger in the perch, than reducing axle tube diameter. That will create a weak spot...may not be an issue, but none the less it will weaken them. U-bolts should be available from local trailer supply shops or online of course. Or custom made, better be careful that they aren't too soft though.

01-13-2018, 05:28 PM	#13
71'tahoe Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: lynchburg ohio Posts: 736	Re: Another ‘65 C20 14-bolt conversion Great write up! Good looking truck also! I like that you are still working your old truck! Captainfab How much you getting out of a set of axle perches?

04-03-2019, 10:28 AM	#15
marco02_ Registered User Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Los Angeles California Posts: 3	Re: Another ‘65 C20 14-bolt conversion I have a question since i am in the middle of doing this conversion did you have to get the brake hose custom made or were you able to find one off the shelf? Also what is the length of your pan hard bar because i am trying to replicate it for my c20. Thanks in advance.



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