Axle Swap Question - Dana 60 to 12 bolt

[wwboater]

I have a 72 SWB that currently has a Dana 60 axle with 8 lugs and the tire selection is poor to say the least. So I am wanting to swap to a 12 bolt with 5 lugs to match my front end and give me a much better selection of rims.

I have a 67-70 12 bolt axle that needs a total rebuild, should I use that or should I find a wider late 70 to 72 axle and have that one rebuilt with posi and 5 lugs?

[ratty69]

I think the answer depends on your long term plans for the truck. Except for the rear axle, is it stock? Are you planning to keep it stock? This is important due to wheel and tire choices.

If you're staying stock, with stock size/offset wheels and tires, then the narrow axle would be fine. There is lots of clearance as-is.

If you plan to go with larger, wider wheels with modern offsets, then clearance becomes an issue. They may not fit without spacers. The narrower the axle, the thicker the spacers/adapters needed. Ride height also affects the amount of room for tires, and where the wheels/tires need to sit to avoid rubbing.

Hope this helps.

[wwboater]

That does help, the truck is lowered 3/5 and I would like to go with 20 in rims. Possible 8 in wide in front and 10 in the rear.

Currently it has a lightly modded SBC and one day it will get an LS with 350 ish HP.

Thanks for all of the input.

[kwmech]

The 67-70 rear is going to be 6 lug. 71-72 will be 5 lug. So I think that answers your question, unless you're going with custom axle shafts

[JMac11]

Stock replacement axles available at most parts houses......