Axle swap

[goldengoat2]

I have a 67 chevy 3/4 ton 4x4, what year axles will bolt in , up to 87 ? thanks, Rick

[75K30]

Does that have an Eaton axle now?
The only limiting factors when swaping rear axles is the driveline,
u-joints, and frame width.
The frame width will determine spring pad spacing, and the diameter of the differential will determine if the driveshaft will need to be modified.
Both are easily fixed, spring pads only cost around $10.00 each, and shafts are easily modified, especially if you buy a larger diameter diff. like a 14 bolt, then the driveline only has to be shortened.
You don't necessarily have to stay with a pre '87 truck. One from a brand new truck will fit, and might have disc brakes. Either way axle swaps are easy, just make sure the ratio matches the front axle, or you will be learning how to change gears.

[tazz001]

If my memory is correct...let me know gang if I am wrong...direct swap will only be up to a 72 vintage Chev/GMC. 73 was the start of a different body style and alot of suspension changes were made...on the rears it would be overall length of the rears, spring pads, shock hangers etc.

I am sure you can get other years to fit if you are handy with a cutting torch and welder...LOL

[goldengoat2]

It has the original axles in it now, front looks like dana 44, my goal is power steering and maybe crossover steering. I dont know how to tell if it is eaton axles. thanks

[75K30]

You could have a 12 bolt up front, heak you could have a 12 bolt out back too.
The Eaton rear axle looks like a big ford, or chrysler axle. It will not have an inspection cover. It is solid out back. It is pretty strong, but cheaper to get a newer Dana60, or 70, or 14 bolt. I see 14 bolts for around $100.00 all over the place. The hot ticket is to find one with a Detroit locker in it already.
As for the crossover, it is hands down the best mod you can do to it. I am not familiar with any kits available for the 12 bolt front axle, and the D44 is going to require flat top knuckles to accept the studs for the new arm to bolt up. Don't go out and buy a box for a 4x4 though. It will not work for crossover. A 2wd box is what you need. The 2wd box has splines all the way around the sector, and will permit you to index the pitman arm so it sweeps from left to right, and not front to rear.
Would be nice to find a later model D60 with disc brakes. Nice, big, heavy duty, and a king pin axle, is a snap for crossover, no machining, just bolt it up.

[goldengoat2]

rear axle is a eaton, what years did a d60 come in. Thanks, i'm learning alot,

[75K30]

I will have to look to see which vehicles would make the best donor. Chevy did not change frame demensions as much as ford did, so most of the axles interchange easily. You will not find a D60 rear from a G.M. Instead you would find a corp 14 bolt. These are actually stronger than a 60, if you find a full floater.
I bought a 1 ton chevy truck that was a military vehicle. I bought it for $800.00 complete. It was a diesel, and it had not run for about 3 yrs. I only wanted the drivetrain since it was born with a D60 front axle with 35 splines shafts, and a 14 bolt rear with a Detroit locker. I immediately re-built the front axle and upgraded to 35 spline chro-mo shafts for both inners, and outers, with lifetime u-joints. I installed 5.13 gears in it, with a Detroit locker too. It had disc brakes, so I left the factory two piston calipers.
The rear was good to go, even without chro-mo shafts. (eventually busted an axle, but it took a while) I just installed a set of 5.13's to mach the front, and ditched the drum brakes for disc brakes. Disc conversions are easy, and uses front rotors, and front calipers. I used smaller single piston calipers back there, and the only draw back is it no longer has a parking brake. That too is easily remedied by using a Cadillac caliper with provisions for an parking brake.

Check e-bay or your local salvage yards for complete donors, or pieces to upgrade your ride. Chevys are the least expensive to upgrade, and there are plenty of parts out there. Build it strong the first time, and you will never have to build it again.

[goldengoat2]

thanks for the info. 14 bolt is plenty strong enough for me. This truck is mean looking, but steers like crapp,












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