5 lug axles
 

Im needing 5 lug axles. What are you guys running?

Re: 5 lug axles
 

Ive used the 5 lug conversion kit from Early Classic Enterprises.. It works great.. Here is a link:

http://www.earlyclassic.com/catalog.aspx

just choose axels from the dropdown

Classic Peformance products also makes a kit...

Re: 5 lug axles
 

I thought axleshafts and drums from 67-72 swapped in if you had the 30spline 12bolt?

Re: 5 lug axles
 

Thats what I was wondering. Im using Impala SS rotors and doing a disc brake swap on it and I didnt know what would work. Wasnt too fired up about buying new ones if I didnt have too but I will if it comes to that.

Re: 5 lug axles
 

Above is just a kit to make finding the parts easier.... (As long as he has a 63 or newer spider gear rearend... otherwise you need to do a bit more work...)

Re: 5 lug axles
 

So I got a 64 rear and your saying the 67-72 axles will work?

Re: 5 lug axles
 

NO... I was confused about the years.. the 60's rear end axles are 3/4" shorter.

You can buy the kit or have your drums and axles redrilled by a machine shop or change out the rear end from a 5 lug truck mid 70-72. (remember the rear is a 1 1/2 inch wider total...

Moser will drill everything for you if you can't find a local shop...

Sorry about that..

Re: 5 lug axles
 

Do you have to replace the spider gears in a 60s rear to run those ECE axles? If so will Moser make you a custom set of axles drilled for 5 lug to make it a simple swap? I know Moser makes custom axles

Re: 5 lug axles
 

some years require a spider gear set... there is more info on the Classic Performance Parts website:

http://www.classicperform.com/6092chevtrk.htm#43

look under "5-Lug Rear Axle Conversion Kits"

Re: 5 lug axles
 

Looks like 63-64 need the spider gears set. :dohh: I guess what I don't get is why cant moser make a custom axle identical to the stock ones only difference being the bolt pattern? Why would you still need spider gears? If they could make a identical axle wouldnt it slide right in? I dont know rear diffs well. someone tell me what im missing..

Re: 5 lug axles
 

I can't speak for Moser or any other axle mfg for that matter, but it probably has a lot to do with what they're setup to do. The '63 &'64 12 bolts had 17 spline axles. Then in '65 they went to 30 spline axles in the trucks as well as the passenger car 12 bolts, as well as many other applications in the years since. While it may be possible to machine a set of 17 spline axles, the added cost would be way more than simply swapping to 30 spline spiders. Other factors are , they were only made for 2 years, and the 17 spline axles are weaker. I hope that answered your question.....

Re: 5 lug axles
 

yep surely does TY

Re: 5 lug axles
 

I put a rear end from a 72 I found at pick and pull.

Re: 5 lug axles
 

That's also what I have, to me, the easiest way to get 5 lugs is to find a '71-'72 rear end, a simple bolt in, you get 5 lugs and wider, finned brake drums as a bonus. of course if you've already invested some money in your current rear, that would alter the thinking. as mentioned previously these units are 1.5" wider overall.

Re: 5 lug axles
 

***BUMPING THIS FOR A QUICK RESPONSE!!***

i just found a 71 5 lug rear with no gear set in it.. will i be able to use it and swap the guts from my 1980 model rear end?? i know it will be some work, but i am trying to avoid having to weld on axle perches and still have a rear end that is too wide..

i'm so lost :(

Re: 5 lug axles
 

naynay, I think I found you. I've been lost for awhile! :lol:

but we're getting good advice from CaptainFab on these 12 bolts. THANKS Capt.! and keep it coming.

CWT, how are things on Brindlee Mtn?? Arab is a nice place!

Re: 5 lug axles
 

As long as that '80 rear end is a 12 bolt, you'll be fine all the parts will interchange. Since 1980 was the last year for the 12 bolt, just be sure it is in fact a 12 bolt.

Also the '80 rear end will be the same width as the '71 rear end.

Re: 5 lug axles
 

You mean the cost of drilling out the hubface and drums is more expensive than swap'n the spiders, new axles, and drums ?

Re: 5 lug axles
 

No, what I meant was that it would be more expensive to have a custom set of 17 spline axles made in comparison to just upgrading to a 30 spline setup. Did that make sense?