76 crew cab fleet side rear axle.

Hello,

I have a friend looking at getting a 76 crew cab with a fleet side bed. My question is about the axle. I know it is 8 lug, but that is all I really know about it. What would it take to convert it to a dually? Another option we are thinking about is swapping it to a newer 6 lug axle from a NBS Chevy (because we have easy access to one) and keeping the fleetside. Does anyone know if it would fit? I know he is not real keen on keeping the 8 lug on the fleetside bed.

Also, how hard would it be to come up with a dually bed for the truck?

Thanks,
Chad

with the 6 lug you'll have more wheel options thats why this 88 crew that I just bought is going 5 lug

Yeah, the wheel options is why he would change it providing it stayed fleet side. Do you know if it is a "bolt in" deal or will the axle need narrowed or lengthened? Chances are we will be 4 linking it so I guess it is only the width that needs to match. And I guess if it is to narrow then he can just run a wheel with a large dish out back.

Later
Chad

I dont know about yours but I've got an 86 half ton thats give'n up parts

whats the year of the rear end that you want to use 73-86 1\2-1 tons interchange 87-92 3\4&1 tons crew cabs &suberbans also fit

Not real sure what the doner vehicle will be just yet. We do have access to a NBS rear axle (99+). So any axle from 73-86 will bolt in?

Thanks,
Chad

I don't know about the newer model years if all elas fells use a tape measure

Yeah, we are going to get some measurements soon, I just thought I would ask on here as well. I am sure we will figure something out.

Thanks,
Chad

this might be more up lockone or dragnasty's ally

The axle out of the NBS Chevy will be wider than the axle in the truck now. May by about 3-4 inches.
If you want to make it a dually all you need is a set of adapters and a set of dually fenders. You can make it either an 8 or 10 lug dually with a set of adapters the 8 lug adapters are 450 and the 10 lug adapters are 850. A set of fiberglass dually fenders are usually around 500 bucks for a new set.
L8R

was RIGHT