5 LUG TO 6 LUG on a rearend???
 

Sorry if anyone wants to blaze me that's fine, it's still my truck and my project...

I've got my 69 truck and I was given a 72 rearend in good shape. I wanted it for the higher gearset. I really prefer a 6 lug, personal opinion. So I want to keep 6 lug... Can I swap my axleshafts and any related brake parts onto the 72 housing without messing with the gearsets? I did try a search but apparently nobody likes a 6 lug truck. Maybe it's the 4 wheeler in me, but I've got a ton of 6 lug wheels available and I just like them.

Thanks! :uhmk:

Re: 5 LUG TO 6 LUG on a rearend???
 

There is a difference in the length of the axles. They make axles for that swap.

Re: 5 LUG TO 6 LUG on a rearend???
 

You can swap to 6 lug axles without having to have the rearend set up. all you have to have is 70 model (wide housing) axles, or 4 wd axles will work up thru about 77-78 as long as they come from another 12 bolt gm rearend.

Re: 5 LUG TO 6 LUG on a rearend???
 

too bad your not closer ive gotta 6 lug rearend id sell ya cheap!

Re: 5 LUG TO 6 LUG on a rearend???
 

Ok, well a 12 bolt's still a 12 bolt though, right? So I would be able to borrow the gearset out of the 72 and set them up in the 69 housing I assume. I don't have an issue breaking out the calipers for dimensions but if there's no need to open the rearend up I'd rather keep it on the road...

Thanks for the input guys :metal:

Re: 5 LUG TO 6 LUG on a rearend???
 

Measure the rear ends, I have done the axle swap on '69s. I thought only the '68 and earlier were shorter?

Re: 5 LUG TO 6 LUG on a rearend???
 

Ok well I got under the truck this weekend and threw a tape up. Nothing exact, but it looks like the 72 rearend is about 2" wider. I wouldn't mind the width but I'm not looking to pay for special axle shafts right now. For now, I'll most likely take a weekend to tear the two housings apart to use the new gearset and the existing housing. Thanks for the input... :uhmk: