Rear end swap 2001 to 1987

[Reckless_ridin]

ok so i have a old 2x4 2000 silverado with a rear in it that has disc breaks and all the good stuff. what i was wondering is can i take the rear out that truck and run it in my 87 c10 there both 2x4 and long bed ? since i have the rear and everything on it that would be a easy way to have disc breaks and very cheap

 

[J Knight]

You can put all most any rear end in anything but it not going to be a bolt in. It will require cutting off the spring pads and shock mounts then welding new ones on as well as setting pinion angle, universal e-brake cables, drive shaft shortening/lengthening, conversion u-joints, and proportioning valve. Much easier to install a disc brake kit made for your current rear end imho.

 

[Reckless_ridin]

great thats what i was looking for kinda figured it would be harder then just a both in thing but since i had it thought id try thanks looks like ill just order a kit

 

[cobra20]

I would measure both rear ends before you go out and buy a kit and see exactly how far off they may or may not be

 

[bucket]

I would measure both rear ends before you go out and buy a kit and see exactly how far off they may or may not be

No need to measure, the perches and shock mounts would need moved, no doubt about it. The newer axle housing is also a little wider overall.

 

[cobra20]

Well I'll just have to hit pick n pull tomorrow and measure stuff out because I'm thinking of possibly doing the same swap

 

[Reckless_ridin]

Let me know what you find out because I have one here already but it does seem like the shock mounts have to be moved on the axle but that's not big deal

 

[bucket]

Like I said, they can be used but they DON'T bolt in without cutting and welding. It will also push the wheels a little further out, which is a good thing on a 4x4 because the rear track will be closer to the front track width. And the bigger wheel studs may cause issues depending on what wheels you have. Also keep in mind the '99 and newer stuff was not available in 5-lug if you have a 2wd.