Datsun 720 4.3 vortec swap with 4 link

[Kingcab]

Hey so I'm doing the 4.3 swap in my 720 got a list of parts to do it i was wondering if the chevey 4 link rear end would fit if I cut and welded on the brakets to the datsun 

[Charlie69]

Measure it.   Not sure if anyone has done this one before.

[datzenmike]

It'll be too wide and besides the H-190 is good to 300 ft lbs torque. More than enough for a chevy.

[Lockleaf]

You want 4 link without scratch building, look at a wd21 pathfinder.  Axle is only 2 inches wider than 720.  Course the gears suck so there's that to deal with.

[Kingcab]

Wasn't aware the h-190 could handle that torq I think I may just stick with it i have plenty of spare parts for them anyway. Thanks for the info guys. If anyone has ever done or tried the swap though please do tell your storry 

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

Will it work? Yep, anything can be built.

 

It all depends on the end use. Is it going to be a 4x4?

[bottomwatcher]

The pathfinder is a stronger unit, disc brakes and optional limited slip.

[datzenmike]

On 8/26/2020 at 12:45 PM, Lockleaf said:

You want 4 link without scratch building, look at a wd21 pathfinder.  Axle is only 2 inches wider than 720.  Course the gears suck so there's that to deal with.

 

 

It's an H-233 which is larger than a Ford 9". The Pathfinder does come with LSD but only in 4.375 and 4.625 4 pinion differentials.

[Kingcab]

No it will not be 4x4 its really low with  hardbody lowering spindles and breaks and steering rack going to mod my steering knuckles for more angle for sliding and i bobed I think 21 inches off the bed. Just thought I could use the rear end im taking the 4.3 motor from but If the h190 can handle it im all game to keep it i got a spare one and lots of spare axels for it also. Any suggestions on maybe what rear shocks I should use??

[bottomwatcher]

Got the engine in yet? If not I wouldn't worry about the shocks yet. Your in for a lot of work with that swap. If it's in post some pics 

[Kingcab]

Not in yet just waiting on parts and money to buy parts 

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

If you want to keep it 6 lug, go with a Toyota 8" rear axle. They came out of 79-95 pickups. The 79-85 axles are 55.3 inches wide, the 86-95 axles are 58.5 inches wide. Later Tacomas also had the 8 inch diff, but only in the TRD trucks with electric locker. The non TRD trucks had an 8.4 inch diff that is harder to build (it has shims instead of adjusters. First gen Tacoma rear axles are 60" wide.

 

Any of these Toyota axles can handle the power of the 4.3L and there are a ton of available gear ratios, brake kits, lockers, limited slips, etc. Waaaaaay cheaper than going with a Datsun/ Nissan axle.