80's or 90's differentials

[keelentime]

Anybody used differentials out of an 80's or 90's f250/350? I am looking locally for 77.5-79 front axles, and man they are hard to find, or people know what they have. Later model trucks however are abundant. Just thinking I may be better off buying an 80's f250/350, robbing all the drive train/steering components, welding in new spring and shock mounts, etc.

[Ks Highboy]

I have thought the same thing but I just recently found a 76 with all the drivetrain except the NP205. Personally, I don't see why a guy couldnt use an 80's or 90's rearend. Yes, you would have to relocate shock mounts and perches but it should work. The front ends however, I don't know. I guess anything could be made to fit.

[1972hiboy]

if I recall right, on some of the later front axles the spring perch is right next to something and cant be moved inward for the older trucks. i think the pumkin on the drivers side. worth checking

[mikejc]

The differential is the spring perch and the reason they don't work on our trucks is because we have narrower frames. That doesn't mean they can't be made to work, they just aren't a bolt in deal. I've heard of people modifying the suspension and steering to make the later axles work or if you know of a good off road shop or a fabricator you could cut up a later axle and rebuild it to 79 and earlier specs. I considered both these options, but instead I put a wanted ad on craigslist, kept my eyes open, and eventually found a 60 out of a 78 pickup. They are out there but people generally want around 1500, which is the cheaper option than the other two I mentioned

[mikejc]

If you're just talking about the rear axle that's easy, pretty much anything can work