Rear end questions.

[KoolerSL2]

hey guys.
havent posted in a while just been working a lot and trying to get money put away.
anyway i have a couple of questions about rear ends.
now i have a 85 c10 with the 8.5 10bolt 28 spline with 2.73 gears.
i got for free a full front and rear axle set out of a 85 chevy k10 that has 10 bolts front and rear.
has 3.42 gears and the rear has the gov lock.
now from what ive read with this year the spline count should be the same on the diffs.
correct me if im wrong but to me that means i can just rob the chunk out of the 4wd rear end and just get a install kit and ride right?
can i get a lil bit of help.

chris

[KoolerSL2]

anyone?

[Captkaos]

Yes that is correct.

[KoolerSL2]

thanks capt.
is there anything special i need to run in the fluid for the gov lock?
and how do i need to inspect the unit?

[HAULIN IT]

Kooler, I would think it would be easier to swap your axle shafts into the 4x4 rear & install it in your truck....no set-up or bearings required & NO cost . Lorne

[KoolerSL2]

but from my catalogs and books and from what ive read the 4wd axles are shorter and overall lenght of the rearend is shorter. think almost an inch shorter.

[VileZambonie]

Is it a 1/2 ton? the axles should swap right out.

[KoolerSL2]

yes its 1/2 ton axles. but like i said in my book it shows 4x4 axles being shorter.

[VileZambonie]

I've done it so I can't see how

[KoolerSL2]

hmmmm. ok so i take it then just swap out brake backing plates, brakes, drums and axles?

[HAULIN IT]

Kooler, Yes...but the brake backing plates may be the same, so check before you bother swapping. One thing I didn't mention before, I typically would change the U-bolts holding the rear in, so I guess there would be a cost, however MANY trucks go up & down the road on re-used U-bolts, re-check them after a little driving regardless if you re-use or get new ones. Lorne

[KoolerSL2]

thanks for the advice.
does anyone have a link to or might have the book with the axle codes deciphered?
i have the stamped codes off the tube and housing and cant find crap.
heres the codes off the axle housing.
14058261 and AI305.
pass diff tube has: BK3G275

[KoolerSL2]

well called a friend at 1 of the local chevy dealers and come to find out what ive actually got.
out of a 84 K10 3.42 gears with posi-trac.
well i cracked it open and took off the brakes and fount it is in very good shape still.
so im off this week and im gonna try to just clean this one uo and put in new seals and wheel bearings.

[KoolerSL2]

hey guys well im at a stand still ATM.
now yo those whop have actually done a swap similar to this, is there a step by step on how to get the axles in to pull the c clips?
i know theres a bolt and i need to pull the pin out but is there anything i need to lock together or anything that needs to be held in place when im doing this?

[Captkaos]

pull the brake drums, pull the cover, push the axles in and pull the clips out.  (might need a magnet.)