71 rear dif on my 61 apache
 

Hey folks ! I’m installing a rear dif from a 71(coils) on to my 61 apache,I noticed the 71 shock mounts place the shock to inside/front,so I was wondering if I could change my 61 to this,if so does anyone have any pictures of how they mounted the top of the shock,I’m just getting ready to paint my frame,so I would like to know if I could grind the old shock mounts off the back of the frame before I paint it,any help would be much appreciated :metal:

Re: 71 rear dif on my 61 apache
 

I would leave the shocks to the rear as they came on your '61. They do a better job in that position. Some guys change their rear shock mounting on their '63-'72 to that position. Did you already move the trailing arm mounts on the '71 12 bolt?

Re: 71 rear dif on my 61 apache
 

Not stock but fyi. Those are stock location behind

Re: 71 rear dif on my 61 apache
 

I didn’t get a chance to compare the trailing arm mounts ,so what you’re telling me is the mounts have to be moved on my 71 diff,are they wider than the stock 61 rear end,does anybody sell new brackets,also one of my top shock mounts is in rough shape,that’s one of the reasons I thought I would move it,

Re: 71 rear dif on my 61 apache
 

This is a 72 axle under a 62, perches are wider on the 62. You will need to move, or replace the perches. Old perch is still in the photo... Shock mounts in the rear are also wider on the X frames. This axle had the correct panhard bar, bolt sticking out ftom back of the pumkin..original bolted back on....Axle is 1.5 inches wider.

Re: 71 rear dif on my 61 apache
 

I recently put a '69 rear diff in my '62. The saddles need to be relocated as the trailing arms are wider on '60-'62. I used the original shock location.

Re: 71 rear dif on my 61 apache
 

Thanks for all info,I just gotta get some new perches somewhere and replace my driver side shock mount,and stay with the rear shock mounts,with the wider axel will I still have room for some wide tires in the back

Re: 71 rear dif on my 61 apache
 

Here is the for sale thread for the trailing arm mounts that I make.

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=620836

It depends on just how wide of tires you want to run, diameter, wheel backspacing, etc.

Re: 71 rear dif on my 61 apache
 

Now I opened up this 71 diff and found a mess,pinion needs to be changed and carrier is damaged,I have some parts trucks with 12 bolt diffs (63,64,65 I think)is there any possibility that I might be able to rebuild this 71 diff with parts from those,my axels from the 71 diff were in great shape

Re: 71 rear dif on my 61 apache
 

Yes parts from any '63-'82 truck 12 bolt will interchange. The one exception is the '63 & '64 truck 12 bolts had 17 spline axles and a coarser pinion spline also.

Re: 71 rear dif on my 61 apache
 

So a better option is to use a 65 or 66 diff (12 bolt)would the splines be the same as my 71 axels ?

Re: 71 rear dif on my 61 apache
 

Your '71 axles are 30 spline. All truck 12 bolts '65-'82 are 30 spline.

Re: 71 rear dif on my 61 apache
 

Captanfab does anyone make a five on five 17 spline axle?

Re: 71 rear dif on my 61 apache
 

I was going to use this for my 64 8.875" 12 bolt housing to change to 5 lug: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/c...rack/overview/
Then I decided I better upgrade the Posi so I went to Quick Performance and bought everything from hub to hub make it happen: http://www.quickperformance.com/GM-1...-12T_c_54.html
But I don't think the wider rear end parts on the 61 will be available.

Re: 71 rear dif on my 61 apache
 

No they are not made. You have to purchase the 30 spline axles and the 30 spline side spider gears. That is unless you are going with a posi.

The '55-'62 1/2 ton differentials are the Eaton HO32/33 which is totally different than the truck 12 bolt and really not much in the way of aftermarket support for them. To my knowledge they are 62" wide just as the '63 to early '70 truck 12 bolts are.