I have a 1964 swb Step side. It has a 3:73 rear end (6 Lug). I want to keep it 6 lug but would like to put one in from a lter model. I have saw on here that a 73 to 87 rear end is 1.5 inches wider. I was wondering if a 4x4 rear would be that same 1.5 inches wider or are they different. Any help would be great.
Why don't you just chang the gears out in your rear end, at the same time add a posi trac center section. What gears do you want to run ?
I have a thottle body injected 350 with 700 R4 trans. The 1964 rear has 3:73 gears that have some wear. I assume the rest of the parts in the rear are worn also. I want to put 3:48 gears just to reduce the RPM of the engine. With a later model axel it might not have as much wear on it.
You can do a couple things. If you want to go to 3:43 then you will either have to change the carrier or shim the carrier. I would go with a whole new carrier. Shimming is not as strong and could fail. These rear ends a typically good up to 400 HP and adding shims does weaken it. If you go with an 80's rear end then you will have to add a panhard bar adaptor to it and the rear wheels could rub. One from the 90s is alot wider and will definatly rub. http://www.ringpinion.com/
What rpm and speed are you wanting to cruise at ? What is the diameter of your tire and wheel combo ? Let me know and we will try and figure it out. with my 30" tires and a 3:73 I am turning 68 mph at 2000 rpm. The change to 3:42s would be expensive for me and not really do that much good. So I stayed with the 3:73...... Kieth ps I have a 350tbi 700r4 combo.....
