Swapping spider gears

[lilpoindexter]

Hello:
Im working on a '63 C10. I swapped a 5 lug front end from an '86 suburban on to this thing.

I bought a '78 C10 12 bolt 3:42 axle for the rear. I decided i dont really want 3:42's, and i have no welding skills to weld the perches on to this thing.

The original '63 c10 rear end is a 3:73, and its not in bad shape. i want to use the '63 rear end, but convert it to 5 lug.

Is there a problem using the spider gears from the '78 c10 in the '63 rear end to avoid having to purchase the more expensive 63-64 conversion kit with spider gears?

[cwcarpenter98]

I think the spider gears will work from the 78.

If your axles are still in good shape, you might want to consider having a machine shop just re-drill the axles you have. If the spot on the axles where the bearings ride have some visible wear, the conversion axles will be your better choice probably.

Make sure you get the correct conversion axles if you go that route. The 63-64 axle bearings are different, so a conversion axle for a 65-70 axle won't work

[lilpoindexter]

Wow, i wasnt aware of the bearing difference...looks like ive got some homework, thanks for the tip

[Agv63]

The 63-64 coarse spline axle shafts is not bad, mine held up with occasional hard driving with 31" tyre and pontiac 455 power for about 3 yrs. Lighting up those 31s is easy, went the 72 5 lug axles after that as i went discs as well as bigger tyre to help bring cruising rpm down, i can tell you that the seal for shafts is 0.040 smaller on the outside dia, didnt notice on bearings being different.

With a inline six or small'ish v8 and normal sized wheels i dont think there will be issues, depends on your engine and driving style and use.

Cheers.
Adriaan.