When fitting a modern axle, the spring widths might not line up perfectly. A spacer can be used to hold a short spring bolt substitute that can be threaded or such into the spacer with a hole to fit the original spring bolt. Make sure the substitute bolt head is long enough if angle shims are to be inserted to correct pinion angle.
In this case a Dana C Blue Bird rear axle with disc brakes and 10 on 7.25” bolt pattern was fitted to a ‘52 GMC 280.
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires. '47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle. '54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed. '55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
Ed, does this apply to just Big Bolts, or can this work for smaller trucks too??? Since this topic is really driveline related, it's been moved to the Driveline forum.
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
Common sense would suggest that the size of the truck makes no difference, as long as the end result is achieved. Offsetting the center bolt hole takes a lot less effort than trying to reposition the spring pads on an axle tube, even if a spacer beside the U bolts might also be needed to eliminate any sideways strain on the centering pin. Jerry
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