shortening a dually axle

[leatherman]

Sorry if I'm in the wrong spot guys. I'm wanting to start my first build this summer, or at least start collecting the parts. My wish is to have a short stepside ( 1/2 or 3/4 ) , 4x4 with duals. The kicker is that I want the rear wheels to be completely under the bed, not with the normal outside dual sticking out farther than the front. Can that axle be cut down without requiring an act of congress? What kind of trouble am I going to run into? Thanks in advance and I hope I posted in the right spot.

[darthwall]

you shouldn't have to go through to much stuff first get your duely tires and your probably goingto want to run the axle to match them gear and strength wise measure out your bed for tubs. you might want them if it's tall enough probably wont need them but you need to figure out your offset of the wheels and take off as much as you need off the axle housing then have custom made axles

[Blazer1970]

You just need a cab and chassis style dually axle. That is all that was used in the '67 - '72 era (H072). There is also a cab and chassis dually version of the 14 bolt that is used in later model trucks. The cab and chassis dual rear wheel trucks have the outside set of wheels at the same width as the front (+/-) and the inner set tucked in.

[Tx Firefighter]

Originally Posted by darthwall

you shouldn't have to go through to much stuff first get your duely tires and your probably goingto want to run the axle to match them gear and strength wise measure out your bed for tubs. you might want them if it's tall enough probably wont need them but you need to figure out your offset of the wheels and take off as much as you need off the axle housing then have custom made axles

Can't understand

Originally Posted by Blazer1970

You just need a cab and chassis style dually axle. That is all that was used in the '67 - '72 era (H072). There is also a cab and chassis dually version of the 14 bolt that is used in later model trucks. The cab and chassis dual rear wheel trucks have the outside set of wheels at the same width as the front (+/-) and the inner set tucked in.

Exactly, a cab and chassis dually rear end is what you need. I bought a nice 14 bolt version with 4.11 gears and a locker for 150 bucks on craigslist. Just search for "dually" and they pop up fairly often.

[72freak]

I have a HO72 for sale here on the forum. It is the narrow one that fits under the truck...attached is a picture. The price has been reduced to $200.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=386712

[QKENUF4U]

that would be SO FREAKIN COOL under a short bed 4x4.. guy in durango colorado built a blazer with a dually axle under it... truck was FREAKIN SWEET !! had a big block and could smoke all 4 44's (he could swap between dually and 44's)

[culp7]

or leave the axle and weld step side fenders onto the side of your fleetside bed

[leatherman]

Thanks guys, this is exactly the info I've been needing. SO the HO72 will fit under a regular frame? I wont have to narrow the frame?
72FREAK-- Is that your blue truck in the picture?
Do you have a full view?

[72freak]

Originally Posted by leatherman

Thanks guys, this is exactly the info I've been needing. SO the HO72 will fit under a regular frame? I wont have to narrow the frame?
72FREAK-- Is that your blue truck in the picture?
Do you have a full view?

Yes it will fit but most of these dually rears are for leaf spring application. Since you are doing a 4x4 it should be a direct bolt in. I did this truck about 2 years ago and sold it Christmas 2009.

[leatherman]

That is a very sharp truck. On this same line of thinking, A man in MO. has 2 67 wreckers for sale. Should that be my starting point and just add the front axle or am I ok to start with any truck that has the leaf springs? I was gonna talk to you "72freak" about your axle but seen you were in GA. I better look closer to home first.

[ERASER5]

Originally Posted by culp7

or leave the axle and weld step side fenders onto the side of your fleetside bed

??? That is what the OP does NOT want.

[QKENUF4U]

Originally Posted by 72freak

Yes it will fit but most of these dually rears are for leaf spring application. Since you are doing a 4x4 it should be a direct bolt in. I did this truck about 2 years ago and sold it Christmas 2009.

that would have been STUPID SWEET as a short bed.....