by LiveWire64 Thu Mar 26, 2009 8:36 pmIs there any difference in axle housing width between the 1st & 2nd Gen GM vans?
Would a 2nd Gen axle work under my 64 without any mods? Thanks for any help. Brad
Would a 2nd Gen axle work under my 64 without any mods? Thanks for any help. Brad
2 posters
1st & 2nd gen rear axle questions
LiveWire64- Number of posts : 244
Location : Cali
Registration date : 2009-03-17
donivan65- Governor
- Number of posts : 12246
Location : San Diego, California
Registration date : 2008-05-12
The 2nd Gens are 1/2" wider between the spring centering bolts.
LiveWire64- Number of posts : 244
Location : Cali
Registration date : 2009-03-17
Thanks Don!
The previous owner had said my van had a different rear axle in it because the leafsprings were pushed all the way out in the frame perches & the rear shackles were also leaning out some. I did locate the axle ID numbers on the axle tube. H1 08 29 W2. From what I have found online, it is a 1968 1/2 ton 3:36 built Aug.29 in Warren. I found that info on a pickup site. I wonder if the Vans & Pickups share the same codes. I have seen the letter "H" on both axles. I know the pickup axles were all 5 on 5 & mines 5 on 4 3/4.
Wonder if the 1/2 ton pickup axles are the same width. Will look into that. Thanks again, Brad
The previous owner had said my van had a different rear axle in it because the leafsprings were pushed all the way out in the frame perches & the rear shackles were also leaning out some. I did locate the axle ID numbers on the axle tube. H1 08 29 W2. From what I have found online, it is a 1968 1/2 ton 3:36 built Aug.29 in Warren. I found that info on a pickup site. I wonder if the Vans & Pickups share the same codes. I have seen the letter "H" on both axles. I know the pickup axles were all 5 on 5 & mines 5 on 4 3/4.
Wonder if the 1/2 ton pickup axles are the same width. Will look into that. Thanks again, Brad
donivan65- Governor
- Number of posts : 12246
Location : San Diego, California
Registration date : 2008-05-12
So is that 2nd Gen rear end giving you problems? It surely wont be aligned exactly right. The front bushings might rub the frame brackets and the center bolts might bend. The rear shackles will probably handle it but would look pretty stressed out.
LiveWire64- Number of posts : 244
Location : Cali
Registration date : 2009-03-17
I haven't got the van road worthy yet. It was sitting for 15 or so years before I picked it up,but was driven for 15 years or so with this rear so it must have worked.
My plan is to inspect the axle. I know it needs axle seals & a brake job. Then if it checks out to be good, I will take it out & redo the axle spring perches. Another option would be replacing the unit with a 12-bolt. I do have a couple 12-bolts out of Chevelles, but they both need parts. Thanks for your help! Brad
My plan is to inspect the axle. I know it needs axle seals & a brake job. Then if it checks out to be good, I will take it out & redo the axle spring perches. Another option would be replacing the unit with a 12-bolt. I do have a couple 12-bolts out of Chevelles, but they both need parts. Thanks for your help! Brad
