Driveshaft length change when swapping to 5-lug? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

D-n-Tyke · 07-10-2023, 03:13 AM

For those of you that have done the C20 8-lug to 5-lug conversion by swapping in a rearend out of a C10, did you have to have your driveshaft remade? Specifically those with 2-piece driveshafts. Or did your original driveshaft bolt right back up?

I swapped out the rear end in my 1969 Suburban with ine out of a 1971 C10. I am trying to figure out the rear section of my 2-piece shaft will work as is. I also did a LS/4L80 swap so can't just bolt mine up and check.

**special-K** · 07-10-2023, 06:27 AM

I've done the opposite on an '85 Jimmy and it took a shorter driveshaft going to a 14-bolt rear. I also lifted it 4", so that ended up compensating perfectly. Was able to run driveshaft as is with conversion u-joint. I think you'll need a longer driveshaft

xs-cash · 07-10-2023, 06:25 PM

Had to get the rear driveshaft shortened if I remember right , I did this swap bout 20 yrs ago, still in the truck today, it changed the truck dramatically! All for the better

07-10-2023, 03:13 AM	#1
D-n-Tyke Registered User Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: El Cajon, CA Posts: 284	Driveshaft length change when swapping to 5-lug? For those of you that have done the C20 8-lug to 5-lug conversion by swapping in a rearend out of a C10, did you have to have your driveshaft remade? Specifically those with 2-piece driveshafts. Or did your original driveshaft bolt right back up? I swapped out the rear end in my 1969 Suburban with ine out of a 1971 C10. I am trying to figure out the rear section of my 2-piece shaft will work as is. I also did a LS/4L80 swap so can't just bolt mine up and check.

07-10-2023, 06:27 AM	#2
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Driveshaft length change when swapping to 5-lug? I've done the opposite on an '85 Jimmy and it took a shorter driveshaft going to a 14-bolt rear. I also lifted it 4", so that ended up compensating perfectly. Was able to run driveshaft as is with conversion u-joint. I think you'll need a longer driveshaft __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

07-10-2023, 06:25 PM	#3
xs-cash Registered User Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Edmonton Alberta Canada Posts: 103	Re: Driveshaft length change when swapping to 5-lug? Had to get the rear driveshaft shortened if I remember right , I did this swap bout 20 yrs ago, still in the truck today, it changed the truck dramatically! All for the better



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