Zig, Buy new U-bolts when you change your front axle, CP has them-5 bucks each. Old ones are always rusty and pitted-weak. Oh yea and there the size you need. Chris
Chris- many tanks. So did you get the 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton U-bolts? I'm getting new 3/4 springs from Eaton. (Lowered two inches) I was going to pretend like I was leaving it 3/4, which meant that they would send bushings, zerks, U-bolts and all for a 3/4, then I'd just ream out the holes. BUT~ what did you do U-Bolt wise. I guess you went 1/2 ton? This would probably make more sense.
AD Springs Well that's interesting as I tried putting 3/4 ton springs underneath my '49 1/2 T and they were too wide.... I'd ordered up brandy new ones and had to retrun them . I _know_ Task Force springs are wider but I had *thought* 1/2 & 3/4 the same , you say yes but my experiance says no ~ back to the junkyard on this one .
That's OK Nate! Believe me when I say, my thrill seeking days are OVER! When I decided to go from 3/4 to 1/2, I measured the PISS out off all the parts. Tried test fitting, etc. The only problem I saw was the U-bolts. The 3/4 was just too dang big! Of course, you know me~ that was *perfect*! I know 1/2 ton bolts would work, but I thought if I got in a bind and had to slam on the mustard, maybe I'd stick with 3/4 U-bolts and just ream a tad out of the axle plate. (?) I must say, the 1/2 ton axle is like the U-bolts. Just a smidge skinnier. Hopefully not so much as to matter.
Found!!!! My searching has turned up two (or maybe they are the same) rear ends that will work, and are 6 lug. They are the rear ends from a 2008 Canyon (60" mounting surface) and a Colorado (62" mounting surface- I think... hard to tell for sure with the wheels on.) Both of these are 3.73 gears. They both have 5 1/2" centers. I found that a Durango has a 3.55 gear ratio (2004), but have yet to see one to get the measurements off. I found an 02, but it had 6 lugs that were 4 1/2 " centers. Why bother with 6 lugs if your putting them that close together? Anyway, in case anyone would like to know besides me, these are two brand new rear end with drums that would work.
