rear end questions
 

okay so i want to put a 12 bolt in my truck. i realize that it is easier to find them with 6 lug pattern but id like to keep the 5 lug. i have a pile of 10 bolt rear ends with 5x5 lug pattern and was wondering if the axles will interchange. also wondering if the brakes will do the same ? now my other thought was to maybe get a 12 bolt with disk brakes but once again the problem arises that i want to keep it 5x5, any way i can do this without having to drill out the rotors (any other oem rotor from other aplication) if i can get the prefered axles in it. thanks !

Re: rear end questions
 

Why a 12 bolt? The truck 12 bolts are not significantly stronger than 10 bolts, actually have smaller pinions.
Axle shafts do not interchange 10 to 12 bolt.
2wd 1/2 tons 73-82 were 5 stud 12 bolts, there are tons of these in the j-yards. 6 bolts in 4wd for 10 or 12 bolts. Need to change U joints and may need metric to SAE brake pipe adaptor to swap complete axles.
Disc brakes are pricey but there are parts available (search this forum and the Suspension forum), costs about the same 10 or 12 bolt. Many kits available, or can piece together with a little thought.

Re: rear end questions
 

Sooo id just be wasting my time swappinh from a 10 to a 12? What about going to a 14 bolt ? How easy are they to convert to 5 lug and put my 1/2 ton drums on?

Re: rear end questions
 

If i swap to a 12 bolt ill get one with the 5 lugs already in it , will the brakes still interchange?

Re: rear end questions
 

If a bit of width and some fab work doesn't bother you, get a 14 bolt out of a 454 SS truck. They are 5 lug. Unless you have to upgrade gears and stuff anyways, the 12 bolt isn't worth the extra you will spend on it.

Re: rear end questions
 

Well thats the thing , i am going to do a set of gears and posi so i figured id be better off doing the 12 bolt instead of putting my money into the 10

Re: rear end questions
 

I thought that regular 14 bolts (ff) were 8 lug and 14 bolt sf's were 6 lug. Didn't know there was such thing as a 5er

Re: rear end questions
 

The 454ss truck is a 14 bolt 5 lug but thats it , i figured i could get hubs for that application and swap em out

Re: rear end questions
 

I would just spend the money on the 10 bolt..Plenty of people have them with huge motors.

Re: rear end questions
 

fair nuff !

Re: rear end questions
 

Our truck 10 bolts are the same as a car 10 bolt, so parts are interchangeable from any early car 8.5 read end up therefore way easier to get and more reasonably priced. I have a posi out of a camaro in my truck. Works awesome, way better than the Gov lock that trucks have.

Re: rear end questions
 

Agree. I've still got the original 10 bolt in my Chevelle.

555 cu in, 950 HP, 9.80 ETs at 3900 lbs. Been racing this car 35 years, probably 20 of those going 11.80's or quicker.

K

Re: rear end questions
 

I guess mine is safe!!!..lol

Re: rear end questions
 

does anybody know if a impala ss rearend will work in a 84 chevrolet truck?