70' axle length question

[Painter D]

Ive determined that my 70 swb truck has the earlier (narrower) rearend.While theres plenty of 5 lug axle swap kits for the 5 lug conversion Im wanting to do out there ,none of them list the option for the difference between the earlier and later rearend widths. (70' was the. change over year)

How do I know which kit to order?

The axles are 30.5" long so unless Ive done my research wrong somewhere Im certain I have the narrower housing.

[jmking9]

You are correct, you do have the narrower rear end that was in some 70 models. The wider axles are 31 5/16" If I remember correctly.
Here are some from Summit that will work https://www.summitracing.com/parts/c...FYMCaQodz9cNHQ
Any 5 lug conversion axles that are listed for 63-69s will work. If you have the wider 70 rear end like I have in mine, you would just buy 71-72 stock replacement axles. Hope this helps!

[Painter D]

If Im sticking with the drum brakes which drums are compatible with these axles from Summit?

[coreyjhen]

The local used auto parts dealer told me that I can use the longer axles if I also use the 2¾" brakes. I'm going to try it this winter.

[demian5]

FWIW -

I have a narrow 6-lug axle on my 70 and I added bolt on 1 1/2" spacers and it tucked the wheels right out to the sides of the bed.

Running 15x8 stock steel wheels with 31x11.50 15 with 3" cpp drop springs and 1" block

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by Painter D

If Im sticking with the drum brakes which drums are compatible with these axles from Summit?

Wouldn't the stock 71-72 braked drums work on the aftermarket axles?
I assumed that's what everyone was using.
I've never done the swap myself.

[Painter D]

I ordered a kit that comes with drums today, Ill keep you guys posted on how it works

[Money_pit]

Running into this exact situation. Gonna stay tuned in

[Painter D]

The 65-69 axles worked. I ordered them from Summit and they came with new rear drums as well. The part no. is 6569RACK

[Painter D]

Heres a pic