axle swap, fix opinions needed

[VileZambonie]

If you want to replace all of the bearings go with this one http://www.ringpinion.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProdID=391

If you want to just replace the R&P go with this one http://www.ringpinion.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProdID=564

[choptop]

Thanks Vile, I owe you one. Can I run the front shaft as long as its not put in 4wd? I want it at least complete for the show even if the gears arent changed. Ill have to change the gears after the show

[VileZambonie]

What transfer case is in there?

[choptop]

np208

[VileZambonie]

As long as you're in 2wd you won't have a problem

[choptop]

Anyone know the pn for the straps? The ones the parts store gave are not right. The strap is ok, but the bolts that go with it are only about 1/2 in long and way too small in diameter. The only other ones they showed are the u type clamps. Our Chevy dealer is a waste of time.

[VileZambonie]

What year is the rear end?

[VileZambonie]

These are for a 77 12 bolt



Part #: 81000
Weight: 0.15 lbs.
Features & Benefits : Replaces lost or damaged U-joint straps, precision engineered quality.
Notes:
Bolt holes center to center 1.58"

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?catalog=42&partnum=81000&a=FR42-81000

[choptop]

Thanks Vile, thats the pn I got, but they dont look anything like that. Back to the parts store in the a.m. Should be ready to put the rearend tomorrow if all goes well. Thanks alot.

[howlinwolf]

what are the axles out of...

[choptop]

The one I am rebilding is supposed to be out of a 77 Blazer.

[choptop]

got the rearend in, and have two problems. One, the rearend is still forward about 3/4 in on the right side. I know the pins are lined up in the lift blocks (took it apart several times just to make sure)maybe its the block itself because the pin in the spring to the rear hanger is the same distance on both sides, but the axle is about 3/4 in forward on the right, Uggh this is turning into a chore.
 and to ad to that, the orignal brakes on the 12 bolt were 2 inch wide, and it didnt have any drums on it when I got it. To add to that delima, all of the parts stores show the same drum for a 77 or a 85. My question is, does anyone know if i can just use the 10 bolt axles drums and upgrade to the 2.75 wide shoes? I didnt try to put the wider drum on to see how it fits the backplate, but I will be shortly.
 someone has also changed the backplate on one side so there is not access to the adjusting screw for the drums. I just wanted to see what you guys thought.

[VileZambonie]

What do you mean it's forward 3/4"? Do you have the lift blocks both pointing the same direction? Are you measuring it with the springs loaded or unloaded?

As long as the backing plate holes line up just swap over your backing plates and drums.

[choptop]

Thanks Vile, I should have did more checking before I posted. If the backing plates are changed, then the wider drums will work. Everyone keep this in mind for future purposes. If you want to upgrade from the 2 in wide brakes to the 2 3/4 in brakes, just swap out the back plates, shows and drums. Fortunately for me, I found a set of drums for the 2 inch brakes. It didn't come up under the 77 parts list, but it did for the 75 No telling what year the rearend is actually from.

 As far as the axle being off center, it was checked with the load on it, and both are in the right direction (short side toward the front) I checked it over and over to see if I had a brain fart and did something wrong. The tire is visably forward on the right side, so I checked it out. Keep in mind, I see stuff that most people do not, I'm picky on stuff like this. I had the same problem with the last axle, but thought it was just because it was bent. I measured it off of the rear shackle just in-case the bed was throwing me off, but got the same measurements every way I measured it. The pin in the spring to the center of the spring eye is the same on both, so I am thinking the blocks are different. I may try to check them tomorrow, but since I'm running out of time, it may have to wait until I do the gear swap. Its not grotesquely out of line, but it is noticable to me.

[VileZambonie]

I would measure from the pin to the center of the spring hanger on both sides and mesure from the pin to the frame height on both sides.