Hi I have a 71 Custom Deluxe 4X4 1/2 Ton, it has 307 gears, (sucks), I want better pulling power, I heard you could swap later model diff housings (up to 87 as I remember), with little trouble, I remember being told one end was a direct bolt up and the other you had to change 2 brackets. This also gave better brakes & steering too. I'm after it for the better gears 4.10's at a minimum! Please help! Thanks!!
Yes the 71 to 87 front will be a direct bolt in, on the rear you will have to move the spring pads and also move the shock mounts, still a pretty simple swap. The only problem I see is you are not going to find a set of factory axles with 4.10 ratio in a 6 bolt 1/2 ton version, the best you will be able to do is 3.73s. If you want to step up to a set of 3/4 ton axles they will swap in with the same amount of work and 4.10s are easy to find.
hay im in calif an ive got a set of 86 axles an transfercase an trans an motor if want it come 2 calif