for what you are trying to accomplish whith this truck, i dont think a d60 or 70 from a 2500 is a good choice. They both use an 8-lug bolt pattern, and are full floating, not to mention the 60 weighs about 500lbs, i dont know about the 70... but im sure its much more

 

The leaf spring pads are not that big of a deal... they are a half inch wider than the half ton leafs. Either torch them off and weld on your stockers or cut some notches in them so the u-bolts wont have to arc around them. The stock drive shaft may be too long (due to the larger axle size) and the u-joints wont be the same. You may be able to find a conversion joint to fit the stock shaft and the 60's yoke if the stock shaft length will work, but I don't know. Otherwise you will have to pay a drive shaft company to customize it which may cost a few hundred bucks or more.

I know your getting it cheep, but I think it would be a smarter plan to just re-gear your stock axle. And I agree with helms and the others that this axle may just be a bit bigger than you need. The 9.25 is actually a stout little axle.

 

ok. if you guys think the 9.25 will hold up i will go that way and re gear. do you know how much labor would cost for that by chance? i would have to buy a few tools in order to do it myself so i will probably have someone else do it.

 

Up here in EH! land i pay around $200 for an install, plus whatever the parts are.