Rear axel interchange

[AirSpeed]

The ring gear in my 72 gmc k1500 list some teeth a while back, Ive still been driving it short distances but I need to get it fixed soon. Since my axels are worn where the bearings ride I’m thinking of looking for an entire rear end, maybe one with disc brakes. Do any later model rear ends fit a 72?

[demian5]

I bought a carrier and R&P from a guy that took it out of a 1980 truck and it worked in my 1970 diff housing.

[AirSpeed]

I am considering replacing the whole thing, maybe one with disc brakes

[demian5]

Dont get one too wide.

[bigdog55]

I've been told that a 2003 truck rear end will work. I haven't done it my self so I'm not what all is involved.

[binford]

I have a Dana 70 from an 06 van that will work. Has the disc brakes, you will need the corvette master cylinder as they had rear disc. ( bolt in option) Good news is they are easy to find and $20 at autozone.

There is the stock Dana 60 rear axle option too. But finding one is another story.

A 14 bolt would work, but it has no disc brakes and the conversion kit is $300 plus you loose the e-brake. click here

PM me if your interested in the Dana70.

[sick472]

About the rear disc brakes...I will NOT likely do a rear disc brake conversion again. They are very cool and much easier to work on, but, unless you are road racing, they are not worth the effort of the conversion. Just my opinion. Do some reading on the subject and decide for yourself if you "Have" to have them. I am just mentioning this in case it can save you some headaches sourcing the parts...swapping the guts on your existing pumpkin could be the most straight forward and save you some money.

[AirSpeed]

I ended up having my rear axle completely rebuilt, both axles were worn out on bearing surfaces, one was bent, replaced all the gears and bearings. I never really noticed how much vibration there was from the bent axle until it was gone, silky smooth now. Ended up costing a small fortune but well worth it.

[bry593]

I decided to stay with the ho52 after reading about the unsatisfactory results of the Vette cylinder (1" lottsa pedal travel) and general problems getting push rods and proper piston size matchup. In the process, I measured my HO52 at 63.75 WMF and determined the early 2000's 2500HD axle is 65". So, it ought to fit okay, but too many other issues to make it worthwhile. I did communicate with Ruff Stuff conversions about recommended master for a simple disc upgrade on the HO52 and they recommended running a cylinder 1/8" bigger than stock. Stock on my '71 is 1.25" so not sure I believe that is the best advice. Maybe 1.25" with equal size reservoirs and an adjustable valve to tweak the back brakes so as not to lock before fronts. At any rate, I've no tolerance to fool around with shenanigans. When someone with time and energy figures it all out, please post a write-up to save the rest of us the headaches.

[BCOWANWHEELS]

ditch that ho52, update. a 9 in ford is worth thinkin bout too