The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks 62 C10 4x4 axles need swapping

Ok, new here, just got the 62, it's a 235cu 6cyl... it needs a whole new front axle and the rear looks like it's from some unknown 2WD...so I'm thinking replacing both axles and getting a paired set - thoughts on this? thanks for any ideas/advice on what you would do. PS I can see the 2018188 patent # on the current front axle pumpkin and the rear just says GM15 (it's a 12 bolt pumpkin)...

Ted,
What you have is a NAPCO conversion which was the name of the company that converted the 2wd chassis to a 4wd.You can use any front and rear axle from 1970-1987 1/2 ton or 3/4 just make sure you have the same gear ratio.The front axle bolts right in but the rear will require moving the spring perches in 1/2 " on each side.You will also have to add dual resevoir master cyinder to accomodate the disc brakes.The stock "62" axles are okay but they have a tendency to break the left side directly above the axle vent.Don't ask me why but I have seen two others including mine which broke twice before I converted.Any other questions drop me a PM

If it is indeed a NAPCO conversion, I wouldn't dream of changing them. While probably not being monetarily valuable to most, that would be exceedingly rare. Not being a Corporate 4x4, but still being a post-1960 1/2 ton Napco? That equals rare in my book.

Do you have any pics of this axle?

Thank you for the ID, now I think I also understand why the front end "looks" higher than the back end, it's normal and supposed to be that way. If I got that right.

Here are pics of front and rear axle.

http://s1127.photobucket.com/albums/l636/tedcorbett/

The pic of the front axle has the 2018188 on it and you can see "44 5F" on it also.Ok, so this is a Dana 44 and the stock axle. The back has some 2WD axle on it (not stock). Now i'm looking for a good matched set of axles.

that is a stk frt axle. not a napco.even if it was a napco frt end would not make it rare as it would be an aftermarket installation, which would be no different then you making a 4 x 4 out of a 2 wheel dr, . GM went with it's own setup in 1960 except in larger trucks
everything is rare
ron

Why do you need to change them out?Do they not work in tandem while in 4WD? Perhaps the rear is the wrong ratio. Check it to see what it is. It should be a 3.90 to match up with the front. (which is a 3.92).

K10 - thanks, the ratios were ok I believe...what happened was prior owner ruined front Dana 44 (was towed improperly). The back axle is fine, it's a corporate 12 bolt. So, I could just replace front only with another Dana 44 5F if I can find one, maybe?

What was ruined on the axle, the ring and pinion ,bearings?

Yes, my understanding is just those, axle differential has loose parts in it that I can see. The axle itself looks fine. I think they left the 4WD engaged and/or hubs locked in and ground down the insides of the differential. So, I'm looking for a replacement 4wd front 3.92 locking hub axle, i reckon, like maybe from a K5 blazer or similar.

If you swap the axle, best would be to get a matched pair from the same vehicle. After '63, the 3.90/3.92 gears don't show up, 3.73 became to common gearset used. Also, since the rearend isn't stock to the truck, it may not be matched to the front to begin with. For best overall upgrade, look for a '71-'87 axle set, which will have open knuckles and disk brakes. The open knuckle front axle is stronger that the closed knuckle. '71-76 will be a Dana 44/12 bolt GM combo, later trucks used either a 44/10 bolt combo or a 10/10 combo, depending on year/option.

I do have a 4;10 or .11 frt gear set if you need , axles and spindles if your stuck
ron

the insides were all damaged, hence I want to swap the axle vs. rebuild

I'm getting two separate hits on craigslist..both for a '91 suburban 4x4 axles - I've got the Rockwell transfer case with the divorced design to hook up to.