Author Topic: Rear end swap questions  (Read 8019 times)

Offline realdiehl

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Rear end swap questions
« on: April 01, 2013, 09:18:30 pm »
I'm getting ready to install my flip kit and notch as well as swap my rear end.  My truck is an '84 C10 SWB with a factory rear end.  I'll be swapping in an earlier 12 bolt, (was told it was a '76 or '77).  I already rebuilt the rear end/put a unit in it.  I believe I'll have to switch U-joints, can anyone confirm this?  Is there an adapter u-joint PN?  Also, will all the factory brake pieces from my 84 rear end bolt on to this earlier one.

Offline Tx Firefighter

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Rear end swap questions
« Reply #1 on: April 02, 2013, 09:46:44 am »
This is the conversion u joint to adapt your driveshaft to the 12 bolt rear end yoke. You can get them at the parts store for under 15 dollars


Offline 86c10

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Re: Rear end swap questions
« Reply #2 on: April 02, 2013, 10:01:24 pm »
  Also, will all the factory brake pieces from my 84 rear end bolt on to this earlier one.

I've looked into the same swap on my '86 c10. The 10 bolts came with either 2'' or 2 11/16'' shoes, so you'll have to measure what is on you 10 bolt and compare it to your 12 bolt. From what I could tell just looking on oreilly's website the wheel cylinders are different and I'm not sure about the e-brake cables.

Offline choptop

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Re: Rear end swap questions
« Reply #3 on: April 03, 2013, 07:19:47 pm »
Ebrake cables are the same. If the 10 bolt is the 2-11/16. and the 12 bolt is the two inch, you can change the 12 bolt to the 2-11/16. You will have to pull the axles and replace the back plates and all hardware. I did this last year on my red truck. I changed to the 2-11/16 because I had all new drums, brakes and hardware for the 2-11/16 brakes.
76 C10 Choptop,76 C10 Swb
85 C10, 85 K10, 85 K20,86 C10,86 K10 (all extended cabs)
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Offline Blazin

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Re: Rear end swap questions
« Reply #4 on: April 03, 2013, 11:16:37 pm »
I have swapped 84 baking plates off a 10 onto a mid 70s 12 bolt before.
I swapped a 5 lug 12 bolt into my 84 K10. Swapped in some 6 lug 12 bolt axles after the backing plate swap. Popped the conversion joint in, and I was back on the road.
Some people are like Slinkies. Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs

Offline realdiehl

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Re: Rear end swap questions
« Reply #5 on: April 07, 2013, 07:35:44 pm »
Ebrake cables are the same. If the 10 bolt is the 2-11/16. and the 12 bolt is the two inch, you can change the 12 bolt to the 2-11/16. You will have to pull the axles and replace the back plates and all hardware. I did this last year on my red truck. I changed to the 2-11/16 because I had all new drums, brakes and hardware for the 2-11/16 brakes.

This is the route I'm going.  I've left the axles loose on the 12 bolt, so after I put my notch in, I'll swap the brakes and put the rear end in at the same time. 

Thanks everyone, and thanks for the Napa PN.   :D