Compatible rear end for 73

[BigPoser]

Pretty sure that my rear end is going out. Wondering if it would be cheaper/better to try to find a rear from something else (I've heard that Astro van will work, plus they have disc brakes). If this is true, what will mate up the best?

Thanks.

Brandon

 

[J Knight]

A Ferd Astro van rear end? You should look for another 12 bolt truck rear end that will bolt right up or fix the one you have then do a disc brake conversion. I think i read somewhere that a impala or caprice rear disc set will work.

 

[crazy4offroad]

A Ferd Astro van rear end? You should look for another 12 bolt truck rear end that will bolt right up or fix the one you have then do a disc brake conversion. I think i read somewhere that a impala or caprice rear disc set will work.

Astrovan is GM.

 

[Old77]

I think J Knight musta been thinking about Ford Aerostar

 

[crazy4offroad]

I've heard you can use the calipers but I dont think the rear end itself will work. Depends on the WMS measurement, and spring perch measurement.

 

[Georgeb]

I've heard you can use the calipers but I dont think the rear end itself will work. Depends on the WMS measurement, and spring perch measurement.

Werent they more based on the S series trucks?
Anyway, I would just replace the 12 bolt or have it rebuilt if it's not to late.

 

[Georgeb]

By the way what is the symptom of the rear end that makes you believe it's failing?

 

[J Knight]

I think J Knight musta been thinking about Ford Aerostar

LOL, yeah my van knowledge is lacking at best.

 

[BigPoser]

By the way what is the symptom of the rear end that makes you believe it's failing?

It has a severe gear whine when driving. I don't really hear it that much in first but when the tranny shifts into 4th and the exhaust quiets, you can really hear it. The truck did sit for 2 years before I got it. No shavings in the rear diff when I changed the fluid the over the weekend, but I doubt that means anything.

 

[crazy4offroad]

Yeah there's a kind of roar sound, eventually the gears knife down and it sounds more like a squeal or squeak. You can have a clunk from excessive backlash going into drive or reverse. Also the housing will be unusually hot after a bit of a drive, say 20 miles or so. Eventually the heat will remove the temper and the pinion or ring gear will lose teeth and forward momentum will cease lol.

 

[crazy4offroad]

It has a severe gear whine when driving. I don't really hear it that much in first but when the tranny shifts into 4th and the exhaust quiets, you can really hear it. The truck did sit for 2 years before I got it. No shavings in the rear diff when I changed the fluid the over the weekend, but I doubt that means anything.

Some gears are naturally noisy. Yukon and Motive say in their setup instructions the gears will roar more than stock. It could also be pinion or carrier bearings, make sure it has plenty of oil.

 

[Joe383]

My 85 has a rear end from a 73. Just get the same rear or better yet rebuild it. Good time to swap lower gears and an overdrive transmission.

 

[MadOgre]

It has a severe gear whine when driving. I don't really hear it that much in first but when the tranny shifts into 4th and the exhaust quiets, you can really hear it. The truck did sit for 2 years before I got it. No shavings in the rear diff when I changed the fluid the over the weekend, but I doubt that means anything.

I would check the back lash and maybe think about replacing the outer bearings.

The Astro van is a mini van/truck. It will not fit unless you want the wheels to be well inside the wheel wells. You need a full size truck axle.

Usually there is a lot of metal in the diff if its going out. So I would check the back lash and if that's fine change the outer bearings.