Converting Eaton H052/72 from 8 lugs to 5
 

Hey everybody,
This is my first restoration and I need a little guidance. In my infinite wisdom, I decided to wait until my vision got really bad before I started this project just to make it challenging.
So here’s the deal. As mentioned above, I want to convert my Eaton H052/72 rear end from eight lugs to five lugs. The lowering kit I’m going to use in the front suspension only comes with five lug rotors. I don’t want five in the front and eight in the back. Nor do I want to use an adapter. That seems kind of Mickey Mouse to me.
Rough stuff has a Disc Brake Conversions For the eaten and they’ll sell me a Ford 9 inch rotor and there 5-1/2 inch five lug forged hub, but I think it unlikely that they’ll bolt together slick as snot. I’m sure there’s going to be machining involved.
In any event, Any guidance, information, suggestions, whatever, etc. would be greatly appreciated.
Good luck on all your bills and happy trails.
Regards, Jeff, a.k.a. Blind Guy.

Re: Converting Eaton H052/72 from 8 lugs to 5
 

You may want to look into a diff swap. Do you have trailing arms or leafs?

Re: Converting Eaton H052/72 from 8 lugs to 5
 

Not gonna happen. You would need a custom hub made to accomplish this. As Franken said swap the rear end for something else.

Re: Converting Eaton H052/72 from 8 lugs to 5
 

From your other post I'm thinking you have trailing arm suspension with helper springs. If this is correct then franken has the right idea. A complete rearend out of a 71-72 with trailing arms would be the easiest way to get 5 lug in the rear.

You could also use a rearend out of a 73-87, cut off the leaf spring mounts, and weld on the trailing arm mounts (https://www.ebay.com/itm/28404274110...8aAp8bEALw_wcB)

There are kits to convert to disc brakes if that's what you want. I've done it, but didn't see any better braking than the rear drums.

Good luck, Rg

Re: Converting Eaton H052/72 from 8 lugs to 5
 

Hey guys,
Thanks for all your responses. Seems like the only way for me to go is to swap the rear ends. Next challenges where do I find a ‘71 or ‘72 14 bolt rear end? Does anyone have any suggestions on how to locate This item and what a reasonable price would be?
Once again, your help is greatly appreciated.
Regards, Jeff.

Re: Converting Eaton H052/72 from 8 lugs to 5
 

BTW: you are correct, I do have a trailing arm with coil spring rear suspension.

Re: Converting Eaton H052/72 from 8 lugs to 5
 

There’s no such thing as a 71-72 14 bolt. They were introduced in ‘73. Even if that axle did exist, you’d be in the same exact situation as you are with the HO52 because they are both full floaters. (Assuming we are talking 10.5” 14 bolts here) What the guys are saying is to swap in a 1/2 ton 12 bolt 2wd rear to match your front 5 lug pattern.