1/2 ton rear end into a 3/4 ton?

[gumby3419]

I have an 86 1/2 ton truck with a 10 bolt posi rear end. I'm thinking of buying an 85 3/4 ton because the body is in great shape compared to the 86. My question is, what is involved in putting the rear from the 1/2 ton into the 3/4 ton?

[LTZ C20]

Honestly, I wouldn't put a 1/2 ton rear end into anything bigger than a 1/2 ton. The 3/4 and 1 ton rear ends are much stronger and more durable and in my opinion and I'm sure many others, worth more in more respects then just price. I would however be more than happy to put 3/4 ton rear ends in 1/2 tons all day long.

[gumby3419]

Thanks for the reply and I get what your saying, it's just that I spent a nice chunk of $$ to have the 1/2 ton rear built and I'd like to use it. I was just trying to find out if it's a straight swap or if it's more involved.

[LTZ C20]

Oh I see. Well in that case, if it's capable of handling the power you are going to put between the front wheels and you aren't going to tow anything alot or only tow or haul heavy loads rarely then you should be fine.

I use my 3/4 for towing and when I tow it's usually pretty heavy stuff so I wouldn't ever use a 1/2 ton rear end.

[Irish_Alley]

you might have spent money for the rebuild but your ½ ton will be 5 lugs the ¾ will be 8. so you will have 8 lugs upfront (16" rims) and 5 lugs in the back (15" rims). then you will have two different tires so you will have to replace one set or the other. and you still will have different size maybe style rims so thats more money. i would just sell the 10 bolt might only make 2-400 but imo its worthless in a ¾ ton

[LTZ C20]

Yes there's all that info Irish just said too.

[Stewart G Griffin]

What's wrong with the rear in the 3/4 ton?

One advantage with doing this is that the rear axle ratio might be higher than the 14bolt's thereby possibly giving you better mpg.