Driveshaft lenghts

[panhead59]

OK, I found a 5 lug '72 rearend to convert my 6 lug 1968 to 5 lug. I think I got lucky and found one at a local junk yard. $375. Non-posi, 308 gears. Are the driveshaft and tracking arm the same? (length) And who has the best pinion and axle seals? I only want to do it once?!!!!! Thank you. By the way, 68 coil spring rear is 55 1/4" wide from round (outter) edge of backing plate and '72, 5 lug rear is 57" wide. I have been told this is not to much of an issue if sticking with 15" wheels , which I am. Now to sell my '68 6 lug!!!!

[Captainfab]

A '71-'72 12 bolt is a direct bolt in into a '65-'70 truck with coil springs and trailing arms. The '63 to early '70 12 bolts have a WMS to WMS of 62". The late '70 to '86 in the C/K and '87-'91 in the R/V trucks are 63.5" for both the 12 bolts and 8.5" 10 bolts.

You do realize that you can get 5 lug conversion axles for the '63-'70 12 bolts for about that same price, correct? And you would have brand new axles that you know for certain that the axle bearing surface is good. Just sayin'

[Ironangel]

Captainfab put it a little nicer than I know how, but...Whoever selling a 72 non posi rear axle (probably a 12-bolt?) for $375 ought to have their azz kicked! I'll sell you one for $100 plus whatever the shipping going to be. Thats a ridiculous price, period! Keep shopping because there are still factory 72 12-bolt posi's out there for less money! You can buy two new 5-lug axles and stick them in what you got for little more than $200 and have new axles! $400 for a new posi unit plus a master installation kit $150 and build a bullet proof 12-bolt posi. If you dont want or need a posi then subtract $550...Heres a link https://www.ringpinion.com/DiffWizard.aspx

[panhead59]

It's a LOCAL junkyard that has it. I searched this forum and have been looking elsewhere, no luck. Maybe I'm just impatient. It just doesn't seem like there are that many out there to be had. I'll keep looking. Thanks for all the info and link. Axles are $175.49 each on that site. $200 or so for others on e-bay. Probably made in China.

[Captainfab]

Yes the '71-'72 truck 12 bolts are very difficult to find in my area also. Keep in mind that the differential you buy from the junkyard may also need new axles. Unless they are willing to either guarantee it or let you inspect them prior to purchase. The axles are a wear part and after 45 years, those axles are likely to be worn unless they have been replaced in the not to distant past.

I would ask them where their axles are made before disregarding them. Randy's typically sells quality parts.

Originally Posted by panhead59

It's a LOCAL junkyard that has it. I searched this forum and have been looking elsewhere, no luck. Maybe I'm just impatient. It just doesn't seem like there are that many out there to be had. I'll keep looking. Thanks for all the info and link. Axles are $175.49 each on that site. $200 or so for others on e-bay. Probably made in China.

[panhead59]

Randy's are made in USA. That's why they are $200 each!!!! Good quality I'm sure.

[Ironangel]

Here you go... http://www.ebay.com/itm/Richmond-92-...VYCh2b&vxp=mtr

[Captainfab]

That's a good deal for an axle, studs, bearing and seal. Just to clarify, that is a replacement axle for a '71-'82 truck 12 bolt with the 5 x 5 wheel stud pattern. That axle can not be used to convert a '63-'70 truck 12 bolt to a 5 x 5 wheel stud pattern.

Originally Posted by Ironangel

Here you go... http://www.ebay.com/itm/Richmond-92-...VYCh2b&vxp=mtr

[Captainfab]

Here is the best price I have found for a pair of Made In The USA conversion axles.

http://www.moserengineering.com/axle...spline-65.html

Originally Posted by panhead59

Randy's are made in USA. That's why they are $200 each!!!! Good quality I'm sure.

[panhead59]

Bummer! That was a great price. Looks like that part # is good back to 1970. 68 housing must be different. I'll look for compatable ones for a 68. Plus I sent them a message. I know it's high but I found a 1972 posi for $655 delivered. I know, bearings/axle might be worn. I just have a hard time plopping down $600 for two axles, bearins/seals, and still don't even have a posi. It's tempting to take a chance. (Note- Randy's are USA made for $200 each) Great info guys. Thank you very much for helping me. Captainfab- You say "Here is the best price I have found for a pair...." I just need to clarify if that $260 is for a pair or each? Nowhere does it say "pair" and QTY says "1" when you add it to the checkout cart.

[68is4me]

Nowhere does it say "pair" and QTY says "1" when you add it to the checkout cart.[/QUOTE]

The website says for a pair

[panhead59]

You are correct. Thank you. Says "pair" right next to part #. My bust. Thanks guys!!!!!!

[Captainfab]

Not trying to be 'that guy' but if you buy that '72 posi for $655, unless it has had some work in the past several years, it could also need a complete rebuilt. That would add at least $600 maybe $1000 to the cost, depending on how many parts need replaced. Rebuilding a factory posi unit will cost almost as much as a new posi unit. Then again, it might be good to go for a while. It depends on how long you are wanting it to last without any work.

[panhead59]

No problem Captainfab. You are correct. I am most likely going to put new axles, bearings, seals and studs in my current 6 lug. Just convert to 5 lug. Just throwing everything I'm finding out there so everyone can benefit. I've got till tomarrow (Monday) to decide since I told the junkyard guy I would be there to p/u that $375 unit. I hate to go back on a commitment, but business is business. Nothing is a done deal till cash is exchanged. I still feel bad though. i would buy and take a chance on a posi only if I could get it real cheap, say 2-300. Still looking till Monday.

[panhead59]

Richmond axles are out. They only make the 5 lug for 70-up and they are longer axles.

[Captainfab]

The Moser axles I posted a link to are 5 lug conversion axles for the '63 to early '70 truck 12 bolts and are made in the USA. Hard to beat for $260 for a pair.

[GASoline71]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

The Moser axles I posted a link to are 5 lug conversion axles for the '63 to early '70 truck 12 bolts and are made in the USA. Hard to beat for $260 for a pair.

I installed those exact axles described above into a 1969 C10 housing so when I swapped over all the 5 lug front end stuff off of a 1972 I would have the same 5 lug pattern. Perfect fit.

Then I gave away my 1972 rear end housing for free.

Gary

[panhead59]

yEAH, MOST LIKELY WILL GO WITH THE mOSER AXLES. $350 by the time you get seals and bearings. But that is around what a differenr rear would cost so.... unless I can find a cheap posi, which is doubtful.

[Ironangel]

Will these work? http://www.ebay.com/itm/AXLE-SHAFT-3...NYbPx0&vxp=mtr

[Captainfab]

I'm pretty sure those are made in China and the OP did not want imported axles.

[panhead59]

Thanks for all the replies!! It has been an education for sure. I bought a kit today from Rons Machining Service out of MI. They sell several brands including the Yukon Gear and Axle conversion kit YAG6569Rack. It's for 65-69 Chevy truck 12 bolt rear ends. It includes the 5 lug axles, drums, bearings, seals, studs for $320 total. Free shipping. Yukon gear is out of Everett, Wa. I realize just because a company is "out of" somewhere in the US doesn't necessarily mean a particular product they may sell is "made" here. This is a pretty complete kit, minus the cover gasket and 90 wt. at what seems to be a decent price. I'll follow up later with fitment comments. Thanks again to everyone that chimed in with there 2 cents!!!

[GASoline71]

I can drive to Randy's Ring and Pinion in Everett, WA as they are only 1.5 hours from me. They are the purveyors of Yukon Gear and Axle. I've used a lot of Yukon stuff over the years and have been very satisfied with their products and how they perform.

Gary