swaping axels or thirds....

[ksollinger]

Hello everyone,

On my quest to better my 60 for the trails I've come across a set of front and rear axles from a 62. Eventually a SOA is going to be done but at the moment I dont have the time. So my question is this:
I'd like to use the 4:11's right away but what is an easier task. Swaping out the thirds from the 62 and putting them in my 60 or just swaping out the entire axle assembly from the 60 and putting the 62's in it's place? Are there any extra parts I should pick up before doing either one of these options? Maybe U bolts?

Any suggestions or advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks everyone

 

[35inchoverdrive]

Just swap the entire units. It might be pretty close between the two if you where just talking rear diff or entire rear axle, but it is somewhat time consuming to tear down the whole front end.

 

[kling-on]

if it a 83 or older you might need to swap you flanges I did on my 82 but other that that its bolt in

 

[lovetoski]

Hi,

Kinda depends on some things....

Swapping the third on the rear is pretty easy.
Swapping the third on the front is much more involved.

BUT, what's the condition of the 62 axles? If they are high milage, and need work, then you've got to swap in the 62 axle AND rebuild it.

If all parts are in tip-top shape, then the axle swap is the way to go.

But, real world, all parts are not going to be tip-top. I'd plan on rebuilding the 62 axles on the bench, then swapping them in when they're done.

I'm in Seattle, shoot me a PM if you want. I can take a look at what you've got if you want...maybe help you figure out a plan.

 

[KLF]

Something else to think about: I believe the front axle is trussed better in the 62, and I know it has better front brakes (better ventilation).

 

[hicruise55]

Having done this, I would rebuild the 62 units then swap in

*if you want to sell the old housings-I might have a buyer

 

[Dynosoar]

Swap the third in the rear and do the whole front axle. The 62 axle is trussed and is a bit stronger.


Dynosoar

 

[zuluzeugma]

Swap the third in the rear and do the whole front axle. The 62 axle is trussed and is a bit stronger.


Dynosoar

This is what I would do too.

 

[ksollinger]

Will the drive shafts bolt right up to the 62 axles or do I need to buy some kind of adapter? U bolts, should I repalce them and who should I by them from? Someone said in an earlier post to just swap the 3rd member in the rear instead of swaping the whole axle assembly, is there any particular reason to do this? Who sells a better rebuild kit for the front and rear axles? Since both axles will be on the garage floor should I rebuild them or wait until I do the SOA?
Thanks everyone
-Kelly