The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 1968 C50 rear axle swap

Has anyone done a rear axle swap on a C50? From what I've seen in forum comments, swapping rear axles between different medium duty models/trucks is fairly straightforward with the exception of moving spring pads and shock mounts. Is overall width pretty standard on these bigger trucks?

I'm hoping I could find a C4500-C6500 or something similar with gear ratio near 4.10 - 4.56 and disc brakes.

Since mine is already a two speed, I'd love to find another one. Seems like the Dana 19060T might be a nice option but I'm not sure if they come in two speed?

Pictures to come..

Does anyone know the rear axle width of a 1968 C50?

Hi campbell45, welcome to Stovebolt. Go to the GM Heritage site and you will find dimensions for your truck. I can measure my rear axle if want but might not be relative to what your looking for, I have a 1957 two ton (5000) (50) series with a single speed rear end.

I have a 17221 rear I can measure for you later when I get time to

I swapped my C60 with a Dana 70. I do not plan on hauling anything crazy which is why I went with the 70. Honestly, I kind of wish I went with something larger, and more heavy duty, but that could be done fairly easily in the future. Take a look at my build thread.

https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthread...05857/1958-viking-build.html#Post1305857

Swapping was very easy if you have a good angle gauge, flat ground, frame stands, and a welder.

Also, it is not a two speed, obviously. Just thought I would chime in!!

Thanks guys.

78buckshot, thank you - lots of good info here. I did find the GM heritage site but haven't found width info on these axles.. maybe I'm just missing it somewhere?

Pvmt-Pndr, if you don't mind that would be very useful. I've been trying to find as much info on the newer Eaton/Dana axles.

Seems like the 19060T is indeed a two speed axle and rated for 19,000lbs. But I'm having a difficult time finding the gear ratios that I want. I'm sure I'll find something eventually.

I found this page when looking for info on the rear in my 1969 T50: https://www.chevyc60.com/the_rear_axle_page.htm

It does not list width's but there is a lot of gear info there.

My truck has what I understand is a GM H170, I could measure it if it would help. The option list includes 20,800 lb springs, I don't know what that means regarding the axle rating. The GVW on the VIN plate is 19,500 lbs.

sweepleader - if you can get a measurement, I'd appreciate it. I also have a gvw of 19,500 lbs on my tag and my options list 23,000 lbs rear springs.

Well, duh, I forgot my truck has Dayton wheels, so there is no flange to flange measurement. I guess I assumed that is what you were looking for.

I did measure the distance between the outer axle ends, with the drive flange and retaining studs. That dimension is close to 67 3/4", I would say within 1/4" using the method I used. My wheel/tire combination yields a depth from the tire sidewall to that axle drive flange of 6".

With 8.25x20 tires, outer sidewall to outer sidewall, the dimension is 89 3/4".

I don't know if this will help, hopefully it does.