I've got a line on a 12 bolt rear end that's in a '68 Chevy 3/4 ton van.
Shock mounts appear to be the same (documented on another website), but leaf spring mounts would need attention.
Does anyone know anything about this swap?
I'm told it's 1 inch shorter than the Camaro setup. I'm putting rear disks on (Seville), so the tubes can be cut when the axles come out (if needed).

I could get a screamin' deal on it, so it's urgent that I get an answer(in theory). Let's just say... he's giving it away at this point.

Thanks in advance for any help provided.


------------------
"...Swing to the Symphony Of Destruction."
Më†åL - '70 Camaro
388 Stroker
Weiand 142 Supercharger

[This message has been edited by Mr_Metal (edited November 06, 2003).]

I would think that this would be a 12-bolt truck rearend. You should check. The pinion diameter of a truck rear is smaller than a 12-bolt car.

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by jrobin9:
I would think that this would be a 12-bolt truck rearend. You should check. The pinion diameter of a truck rear is smaller than a 12-bolt car.</font>

Hmmm, that's what I was afraid of... I still have a bunch of research to do on it, but the price is definitely right. Thanks.

Most of the van rear ends had the 5 on 5 bolt pattern. Some of them had the 5 on 4 3/4 pattern. This could cause problems with your wheels and the disc brakes. The 12 bolt truck rear end is different from the car 12 bolt. Check the pinion offset. Some of the vans had the drive train offset more than the cars. The pinion must be offset 1/2 inch from center to work in the car. This means that the pinion center line will be 1 inch closer to the passenger's side than the driver's side.

------------------
'69 RS/SS396 Pro Street
427 4 speed 9"
Byars Performance
High Performance Drive Train Parts And Service
www.lubedealer.com/biggearhead (http://www.lubedealer.com/biggearhead)

big gear head,
Thanks for the helpful info.
What was seemingly a moderate axle change, is rapidly turning into a big can of worms.
With your info and some research, I've come to the conclusion that it's not that good of an idea to pursue the van 12 bolt.

Once again, thanks for the help everyone.

------------------
"...Swing to the Symphony Of Destruction."
Më†åL - '70 Camaro
388 Stroker
Weiand 142 Supercharger