The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post

Overdriven · 09-04-2016, 04:18 PM

The 70 1/2 and earlier width is 62-3/8" from wheel mount to wheel mount.
The 70 1/2 and later (up to about 78 or so) width is 63-3/4" from wheel mount to wheel mount.

So that's a no go on swapping the axles. If it was me I'd avoid spacers and unless you want to change the backspace or something I wouldn't get new wheels either. You don't want the front to be 5 lug and the rear be 6 lug, then you'd definitely need 2 spare tires. The easiest option is getting new narrow axles in 5 lug for the 1969 rear and swapping them in. New axles wouldn't be that much more $ than good adapter/spacers. It's either that or swap the gears and carrier between housings.

09-04-2016, 04:18 PM	#2
Overdriven Registered User Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 598	Re: Rear end swap question. The 70 1/2 and earlier width is 62-3/8" from wheel mount to wheel mount. The 70 1/2 and later (up to about 78 or so) width is 63-3/4" from wheel mount to wheel mount. So that's a no go on swapping the axles. If it was me I'd avoid spacers and unless you want to change the backspace or something I wouldn't get new wheels either. You don't want the front to be 5 lug and the rear be 6 lug, then you'd definitely need 2 spare tires. The easiest option is getting new narrow axles in 5 lug for the 1969 rear and swapping them in. New axles wouldn't be that much more $ than good adapter/spacers. It's either that or swap the gears and carrier between housings.