'69 C-10 4x4 ?????

[sdailey]

I recently purchased a '69 Chevy C-10 4x4 and I've got a few questions that I can't find an answer to yet.

My truck has 8 lug hubs. Is that common on a C-10 4x4. The vin# breakdown calls it a 2wd 1/2 ton truck. How accurate is the vin# code? The po said it was a factory 4wd truck, but who knows.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Below is a picture of my new hobby. (Sorry about the flash)

[1969k10stepside]

If the VIN says its a 2wd then its probably a 2wd convert.1/2 tons had 6 lugs.3/4 tons has 8 lugs.So,its probably a 2wd shortbed converted to 4wd with 3/4 ton axles.

[sdailey]

I knew that the 8 lugs were 3/4 or 1 ton but I wasn't postiive if this was factory or not? If someone converted it they did a good job. Any negatives on having 3/4 ton axles compared to 1/2 ton axles? Also can I convert the hubs to a 5 or 6 lug?

[1969k10stepside]

What rear axle and front axle does it have?You need to let us know that so we can know if they used 67-72 drive train or newer drivetrain.The front can be converted to 6 lug but the back can't,easily atleast.

[sdailey]

I'm not sure of the axles yet. I just picked it up yesterday. I'll do some research and get back with you. What's the best way to indentify the axles?

[CrashEd]

Its not factory the c/10 is 2wd if it was a k/10 id say thay might of just swaped rear ends. But it looks like you have a combo of diffrent trucks put togather.
Still looks good though id trade my numbers matching long bed 4x4 for it in a heart beat.
Ed

[1969 GMC]

Originally Posted by CrashEd

Its not factory the c/10 is 2wd if it was a k/10 id say thay might of just swaped rear ends. But it looks like you have a combo of diffrent trucks put togather.
Still looks good though id trade my numbers matching long bed 4x4 for it in a heart beat.
Ed

The K10's and K20's both came from the factory with C10 and C20 emblems on the fenders...hence the confusion.

I'm guessing that it's a factory shortbed 4x4 frame, with a donor 2wd body, and the 3/4 ton axles. The hubs on your front axle say "closed knuckle drum brake D44" to me, but I could be wrong.

EDIT: to answer your other question, there was never a factory GM 1/2 ton 4x4 made with 8 lugs. The axles are definitely out of something else, and I am guessing a similar vintage K20.

[CrashEd]

Iwas going by what he said about the vin #being a c/10 2 wd 4x4 had the custom/10 and 20 badges too.
Ed

[1969k10stepside]

Another thing...there was no 3/4 ton shortbeds 2wd or 4wd.

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by 1969k10stepside

Another thing...there was no 3/4 ton shortbeds 2wd or 4wd.

Sounds like a few made the one.

Nice set up if it was done correctly.

Welcome to the board, fill us in as you learn more.

[special-K]

It could be on a factory 4wd frame(1/2t short).It is possible to swap 4wd axles to a 2wd frame.Look for bolts in place of rivets at the frame mounts.Cool truck.

[sdailey]

I unloaded it yesterday when I got home and found out a little more about it. Like I said before according to the vin# it's a 2wd truck which I believe to be correct after looking at it closer. Also, it used to be a long wheel base. Someone has bobbed the frame to make it a short wheel base. My neighbor, who works for a body shop and is restoring a '65 Chevy, came over and looked it over with me and said whoever converted it did a good job because everything seems to match up. I'm not too up to speed on Chevy axles yet, but the rear axle was a 10 bolt. Does that mean anything to anyone? Are Chevy axles stamped for identification or do they have a tag mounted somewhere on the axle?

Thanks for all of the advice and opinions.

[msgross]

send pics of everything for an axle ID... looks nice...

8 lug axles are more "Heavy Duty" and the only downside is that the brakes are going to be pricier....

[DieselEater]

8 lugs and 10 bolts equals D60......

[trkklr77]

why would you wnat to down grade from the 3/4t rear?

the front axles are the same weather they have 6 or 8 lugs unless it is a d60 front. 77+one ton.

the rear could be either a d60, 14b sf/ff, or eaton. get us a better pic and it will be very easy.

[sdailey]

I'm not wanting to downgrade axles. I was just wondering if there was any preference on having 1/2 ton axles compared to 3/4 ton axles from a parts and reliability standpoint. Here are the pictures of my axles. I guessed Gm Corp. 10 bolt rear and Dana 44 front but that was a guess looking at pictures off the web. Someone please set me straight.

Thanks.

[msgross]

looks like a Dana44 to me and an Eaton rear... The Dana is the same as a 1/2 ton from the knuckle inboard. They have different brake brackets, spindles and hubs though. Either way I would stick with 3/4 ton gear. How many springs are in the back? Three in the front is either 1/2 ton Heavy Duty or 3/4 ton. I'm not a rear expert though, unless i'm at the beach!

[sdailey]

Mike,

I'm unsure of the leaf spring count, but I'll check later this afternoon. I did some more research on the axle and I believe you are correct on the rear end being an Eaton. Check out the link below for confirmation. What are the pros and cons of having an Eaton rear end?

http://www.blackbirdscustomtrucks.com/index5.html

[msgross]

don't know about the pros and cons, i'm sure it works fine but parts might be harder to come by. Use it for now and if you see troubles then swap later.

Hard core off-roaders prefer the Dana 60 front and 14 bolt rear combo. You're talking big bucks unless you have an old 1-ton single rear wheel truck around. What's your plans for the truck? Does it have disc brakes on the front?

[sdailey]

I might look for different axle if this one acts up at all and if I can't find parts for it. I'm going to restore it (not to factory specs of course) and just have a cool '69 4wd with a few modern updates. It has drums on the front.

[special-K]

The Eaton HO52 is referred to as the corporate axle by GM.But cars had a 10-bolt so it`s clearer to not refer to the bolt count on these.There`re all Eaton rears unless they`re Dana.I found all I needed for my HO52 rebuild.Not sure about the R&P,though.I`d thinkparts are available if guys are opting for these over 14-bolts for better clearance and lighter weight with equal strength.

[trkklr77]

the eaton rear can be hard to get bearings for, if it fubars just drop a 14bff in and be done with it.

[earl87gta]

The Eaton rear is a great rear parts to rebuild it are high priced around 500. They only had a few sets of gears ether 4:10 or 4:57 the 4:57 is most likely what you have. Off road guys like them because the have more ground clearance then the 14 bolt. You can use the carries and axles from a 14bt if you ever break a set so it is rebuild able. I just traded a 14blt for one so I could have a spare. if you decide to go to disk breaks it uses the 14blt kit and is cheap to do I’m putting disks on my Eaton now and if I ever get around to it Ill post you some pics. The drum closed knuckle front I had one on my burb and just got rid of it my burb just didn’t stop that well with the big tires .As for the rear it sound like your not going to be beating on it hard so I would keep it. You can always go to a 14blt later but keep in mind if you do have the 4:57 rear and plan on keeping those gears the 14blt is going to cost you a lot more.