The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 60-72 front diff under a TF?

I'm looking at picking up another TF truck, this time a 58 1/2 ton panel. I have an image seared in my head from a younger me of a TF panel sitting on mudders looking very aggresive. I understand a 60-72 rear diff is a pretty good fit, how about the front out of a K10? Does anybody know if the track width is reasonably close?

Thanks,

Devin

Should work fine. I would really suggest going with a '71 or later axle to get away from the closed knuckle front end. The Open knuckle versions are stronger, have a tighter turning angle, and also have disk brakes (brake upgrades are VERY important with large mudder tires). If you're planning on a really serious tire size (33" or larger) I would advise at least a 3/4 ton axles, 1 ton would be better. Thsi is both for the extra axle capacity to handle the weight of the tires, and also for the larger brakes to slow them down. There's also the safety factor of having the full floater on the rear, no chance of losing a wheel should an axle shaft break.

Bill Ive never even thought about an axle breaking and losing a wheel. Then again Im not an offroader either.

Good to know information anyways!

Jeff

When you deal with the semi-floating C-clip axle, which is found under virtually all GM 1/2 ton and some late model 3/4 ton trucks, the only thing holding the axle shaft in is that clip. So when the axle breaks, the shaft can spit right out. The full floater puts the load on the housing, not the axle, as well as being the retainer for the hub. So if the axle breaks, the hub and wheel stay on. And if it's got a locking diff, the truck can still be limped home, eliminating a tow bill. It is best to remove the broken shaft peices fist, though, to prevent any further damage.

If I go through with the purchase it won't be lifted, but stock height which I believe will limit me to about a 30x9.50x15. Now don't get me wrong, I;d love to go to 1 ton running gear and a few inches lift, but i'm going to be trading lots of hours of labor for a disassembled panel as it is. Early 70's era trucks are common as dirt in my area. It would never get used offroad, but all for looks.

Devin