Disc Swap, Stay 6 Bolt Or Go 5 (Situation Specific)?

[Nova_Cobra64]

As my garage build comes along I am starting to think forward to the next project, restoring the 69. I know the job is going to be a very long process, I have no intention of pushing it just to have it done, that is when people tend to not really do their best work. So if it is a 5 year project, so be it.

But.....I want to go into it with direction. I am slowly working things out in my head. Some pretty cut and dry, others that need more thought. The topic at hand right now, is 5 lug versus 6 lug. The truck is currently 6 lug, and I will be converting to disc brakes from a 71 donor that I will soon be buying. Seems pretty simple, but the issue has quite a few angles. The differential in the truck was rebuilt 5 years ago and has only about 1000 miles max on it. It was changed to 4.11 gears, new eaton posi, and all new bearings. Obviously, I want to retain the gearing and posi. From here I could either swap the posi unit and gears into the donor's differential, or get the 6 lug hub and rotors for the front end.

Points of consideration:
- How much would each option effect wheel selection (availibility of 6 lug versus 5 lug wheels, wider 71 differential, ect)?
- Currently no intention of going rear disc, but it appears that as of right now there is really no cheap DIY rear disc swap for the 6 lug.

So if anybody could chime in as far as what might be the better route in this case, I would appreciate it.

[Tx Firefighter]

Something to remember, when you convert the front to disc brakes, regardless of whether you choose 5 or 6 lug rotors, you will widen the track 3/4 inch per side, 1.5 inches total.

The 72 rearend will widen the rear the same amount if you choose to run it too.

If not, you have a truck that is 1.5 inches narrower in the rear than the front. No problem as long as you compensate for it buy varying wheels width or backspacing.

[Nova_Cobra64]

I was totally unaware of the disc setup widening the front. So I guess that is another item to make the decision a little harder, lol. Thanks.

[72BlckButy]

Kevin hit it on the head... discs kits will widen your track width up from requiring compensation in the rear. Personally I would try to have a set design you are looking for, (including wheels) and then begin your build from there. Granted preferences changes (oh how I know this... ) but you will be better able to plan ahead and waste less money.

IMO, find a decide on a set of wheels whether it be 5/6 lug design, then plan your suspension from there. Now that I have said this.... do NOT order your wheels until you have finished your suspension. If you order a custom set of wheels the BS sometimes has to be perfect for it to work with the rest of the truck.

Just my $.02...