rear end help

[bill3]

I recently got a 1981 j10 with a 1968 427 chevy and a 350 trany. The rear end went out yesterday. I was thinking about swaping it out. And now I have to. I've heard people switching to the 8.8 ford exslpore. But its not wide enough without relocating the leafs springs. And I have a 6 lug pattern. I found a 1980's waganeer with a d20 and supose to get a price from him tomorrow. So what other rear ends should I check out. I'm going to the local pick a part tomorrow to look around and mesaure. Any sugestions? Thanks!

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Wagoneer likely won't be wide enough for a J10 either, unless maybe from a Cherokee Chief as they're a bit wider than other SJ's.

Look at full-size Chevy 4wd 1/2 ton trucks, should be wide enough and 6-lug.

 

[bill3]

Cool thanks! Would you happen to know what years to look for?

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Not specifically, just take a tape measure, and a wire brush to check gear ratios if the diff tag is still attached.

Be prepared to pull diff covers if needed to find the ratio you want, may even score a limited slip if more traction is your thing. The ring and pinion gear teeth counts will be stamped on the side of the ring gear.

 

[carnuck]

Late 60s should be about the same width. I just compared the '67 GMC I have to my '82 J10 stepside's rear axle. There is a list for FSJ people for parts fsjparts@yahoogroups.com

 

[bill3]

I was thinkn bout getting a ford nine inch and have the axles pluged and redrilled or 5 to 6 lug adapters. But by the time I add all that up. It's just as much if not more then to have mine rebuilt. I went junkyard hopin today and found that chevy 4x4 pickups are 6 lug and will fit almost without moding. Not sure of the years. And I can get a full rearend from the local pick a part between a $100 to $175. Dad said his neibor has a fleet side one and not sure of the year. But he may part it out. I need to get it fixed sone.

 

[carnuck]

measure the width from where the tire mounts on each, otherwise teh tires will stick out of the fender and get you a ticket!
One guy suggested (and I have done this) getting the Dana 60 rear instead (from a J20) and swapping your front spindles to match. Don't forget to get the same ratio or slightly lower (for taller tires later) and a front to match or it won't work in 4x4!

Also note

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

measure the width from where the tire mounts on each, otherwise teh tires will stick out of the fender and get you a ticket!

That varies from state to state, no such law in IL.

 

[bill3]

I'm not worried about the tires sticking outside the wheel wells. Cuz they already stick out about 4 to 5"s already. And besides theres no law like that in texas either. I'm supose to go look at a 1981 wagoneer tomorrow and they siad it was 6 lug. Also my dads niebor said he'd posibly part his j10 out. If they don't plan out I'm going to the pick a part and getting a chevy rear end.

 

[carnuck]

'81 wag is too narrow (about 8" shorter)

as for the law in IL, I know of several people who failed inspection because their tires were out too far w/o mudflaps

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

as for the law in IL, I know of several people who failed inspection because their tires were out too far w/o mudflaps

Strange, IL law doesn't require vehicle equipment inspections.

And you can say I'm pretty familiar with the Illinois Vehicle Code.

 

[bill3]

Thanks for the info I didn't get a chance to go look at the wagon. But thanks for the info. I won't waste my time going to look at it. It looks like its going to be a chevy rear end. Did the chevy one ton come in 6 lug?

 

[xjmarc]

The 14 bolt can be found in a 6 lug, it's semi floating.

 

[carnuck]

The 14 bolt can be found in a 6 lug, it's semi floating.

It has a 10 bolt carrier and it's weak. I blew one up with a 250 6 cyl

 

[bill3]

I been doing some searching on the web and it seems that people are torn between the 14 bolt or 9.5 and I think a 10.5. I'm not going to be able to stick a ford 9" under it for awhile. So witch would be the best and some what cheapest. I'm running 35's and if dad feels better this weekend. I plan on moving the model a over so I can use his shop. I'd like to get this done soon.

 

[carnuck]

Dana 60 and call it good!

 

[bill3]

But does a D60 come 6 lug? Cuz I aint got the extra cash to go get new rims. And I really like the ones I got.

 

[xjmarc]

You can get a semi float 60 and get chromo axles that are 6 lug but you're looking at a lot of coin going that route.

 

[bill3]

That’s what I thought. One of the drivers her at work has a 2003 1500 extended cab CHEVY. I noticed it has 6 lugs and disc brakes. I'm going to measure it during lunch. Would that still be a 14 bolt? Or is that a completely different animal.

 

[xjmarc]

If it's a 1500 no. It would be a 12 bolt. The 14 bolt came in 2500s.