Axle swap question.... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Vendetta · 06-22-2009, 02:34 PM

What is the difference between the dana 44 front axle and gm 12 bolt rear axels from a 68-72 truck versus the 44 and 12 bolt from the 73-87 trucks?
Can I use the axles from the 73-87s on my 72 4x4? Thanks for any help.

b454rat · 06-22-2009, 02:40 PM

68-70 will have drum brakes and maybe closed knuckle. Could be off a few years.

73-up will be discs, and just about a bolt in. Lower shock mounts are little different, and if truck has drums, will need to change M/C for a disc/drum setup.

The rears are pretty much the same, 68-72 have a narrower spring mount width. 40.5" over 73-up 42.5". If your going 3/4 find a rear out of a 1 ton truck, it will bolt right up.

Been awhile since I swapped mine, so could be other stuff I missed.

Mike C · 06-22-2009, 10:14 PM

The 71-72 axles have smaller u-joints in the knuckles and their are some differences in the outers as well with the seals and bushings. The 73 and up is a better choice strength wise, but it's not a whole lot.

Vendetta · 06-23-2009, 11:45 AM

Thanks for your help guys. I may just stick with overhauling my original axles.

06-22-2009, 02:34 PM	#1
Vendetta Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Huntington Beach, CA Posts: 46	Axle swap question.... What is the difference between the dana 44 front axle and gm 12 bolt rear axels from a 68-72 truck versus the 44 and 12 bolt from the 73-87 trucks? Can I use the axles from the 73-87s on my 72 4x4? Thanks for any help.

06-22-2009, 02:40 PM	#2
b454rat Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 3,469	Re: Axle swap question.... 68-70 will have drum brakes and maybe closed knuckle. Could be off a few years. 73-up will be discs, and just about a bolt in. Lower shock mounts are little different, and if truck has drums, will need to change M/C for a disc/drum setup. The rears are pretty much the same, 68-72 have a narrower spring mount width. 40.5" over 73-up 42.5". If your going 3/4 find a rear out of a 1 ton truck, it will bolt right up. Been awhile since I swapped mine, so could be other stuff I missed. __________________ 2000 GMC CCSB 454/4L80 6” lift SAS 1999 Chevy CCSB 454/NV4500 4” SAS 1999 GMC Yukon 350/4L60 6" SAS

06-22-2009, 10:14 PM	#3
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,727	Re: Axle swap question.... The 71-72 axles have smaller u-joints in the knuckles and their are some differences in the outers as well with the seals and bushings. The 73 and up is a better choice strength wise, but it's not a whole lot. __________________ 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

06-23-2009, 11:45 AM	#4
Vendetta Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Huntington Beach, CA Posts: 46	Re: Axle swap question.... Thanks for your help guys. I may just stick with overhauling my original axles.



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