Axel swap

[buz48]

Hi Guys
I was wondering if I can if I can swap axels from a 1976 chevy pickup(5 lug nuts) and put them in my 1970 C/10(6 lug nuts) they are both 12 bolt rearends.
Thanks Buz48

[dmack91]

Anything can be done, it just depends on how much work you want to do.

If your C10 is coil sprung, you will need to weld on spring, tracking arm, shock brackets,etc.

If it is leaf sprung, you need to check the width of the pearches to see if you will need to weld on new ones, shocks may not mount in the same place, etc.

Also, it the yoke set for the same u-joint as your original? May not match your driveline.

You will need to check the overall width of the axle also.

[7T2]

If you are just swapping the axles, they will also need to have the same number of splines.

[HulkSmash]

I think he just wants to swap out the actual axels and not the whole rear end housing.

And for that answer you will need someone more knowledgable about these trucks than me.

[SCOTI]

The axles are more than likely different lengths. 1970 was the year of change from the shorter 6-lug housing to the 'new' slightly wider 5-lug housing (to better match the increased track width of the new for 71 standard disc brakes). So if it's a 70 model housing, it could be long or short depending on when it was built.

The axles will physically interchange between the housings regardless of length but the hub will possibly be .750" farther out past the backing plate. Some guys might be ok w/that & space the backing plate + brake hardware but it's not acceptable in my book. Better to just get conversion axles (typically stronger than OE axles, fresh/zero wear, direct swap w/o what-ifs).

[HulkSmash]

So Scotti are saying the 71-72 housing is the same width and the axels swap with the 73 and up rears?

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by HulkSmash

So Scotti are saying the 71-72 housing is the same width and the axels swap with the 73 and up rears?

Yep, same width & spline. No real reason to swap them though since both are 5-lug.