'72 C20 rear end for a C10 rear end!

[turbobuick1]

I have a '72 Chevy 3/4 ton C20 truck that I'm basically looking to downgrade to half ton status. My logic behind this is-
1) I'm looking to get the 5 bolt pattern, so I can change my wheels.
2) I'm looking for more of a highway gear (around 3:42 or so). I haven't had time to research or count my gear teeth, but I'm assuming it's a 4:10 or taller.
3) I'm don't need the truck for 3/4 ton duty, and I'm hoping the half ton rear end might be lighter.
4) I'm in the process of a custom engine swap, and will need to make a custom driveshaft. I figure I should put in the rear end I want before I get the driveshaft made.

I should say I have a coil spring rear suspension. I should also say the truck has 72,000 original miles on it, and I just drove this truck from Idaho to Michigan in March, so the rear differential works flawlessly. It is still bolted up in the truck. I will post pictures soon.


And I'm still learning about these trucks, but what axle do I have? It's a Dana isn't it?

[Ackattack]

I swapped my axle and whole front suspension from a donor truck.

I bought the donor truck (72 suburban) for $800 without an engine or working transmission. With the suspension swap, and also getting a decent bench seat out of it, I was able to make all $800 plus some back.

[turbobuick1]

Thanks for the advice, that actually sounds like a good idea. I'll have to keep a look out on Craigslist. I'm already parting one vehicle out though, I'm really not to eager to grab another one!

[Longhorn Man]

is the cover on the rear perfectly round, or odd shaped?
Does it have a drop out third member like a ford 9 inch rear?
If yes on both, you have the eaton/corperate rear.
If no to both, then you have the dana.
4.10 and 4.56 were the two gears found in almost all 3/4 ton inline 6 and small block trucks.

[turbobuick1]

Ah I see. I have what looks like a removable third member like a Ford rear end, so I must have the Eaton/Corporate.

[Rumblefish]

Did you swap the front to a half ton status? I'm in the same boat man! was it a pretty strait forward swap?

[turbobuick1]

No I haven't yet. I was hoping it would be as simple as change the rotors, at least to get the 5 lug bolt pattern. I'm hoping the steering knuckles are the same, or at least the spindles are!

[Ackattack]

Originally Posted by turbobuick1

No I haven't yet. I was hoping it would be as simple as change the rotors, at least to get the 5 lug bolt pattern. I'm hoping the steering knuckles are the same, or at least the spindles are!

It is not that simple. The 3/4 ton ball joints (at least the lower ones) are different size.

[Jacfourteen]

The way I plan to swap out my 3/4 front end for 1/2 ton front is by using ece's conversion spindles, they bolt right in place of the 3/4 ton spindles and come in standard height or drop versions. Here is a link: http://www.earlyclassic.com/catalog....ry=New%20Items

[turbobuick1]

Thanks for the link, that's a good website and company to know about. I'm guessing that 1/2 ton rotors will not work with 3/4 ton knuckles/spindles? For the front of the truck, all I want is the 5 lug pattern.

[Jacfourteen]

Originally Posted by turbobuick1

Thanks for the link, that's a good website and company to know about. I'm guessing that 1/2 ton rotors will not work with 3/4 ton knuckles/spindles? For the front of the truck, all I want is the 5 lug pattern.

No it won't work, I wish it were that simple.
Posted via Mobile Device

[mhburdych]

looking for nice tailgate, inner fenders, dash pad and sport mirrors

[ETsC10]

Originally Posted by mhburdych

looking for nice tailgate, inner fenders, dash pad and sport mirrors

Look in the parts board HERE.
There's always cool stuff cropping up!

Also, check out our Vendor's HERE
These guys know our trucks and are
a wealth of great info and new parts.

Have fun shopping!







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