rear axle shafts

[llegos]

because my dad loves being difficult and makes things more complicated than necessary, i want to know if anyone make a conversion axle that retains the 6 lug pattern, but goes to the newer size center hole. I know i can switch over to a 5 lug, but he thinks no decent truck rims were made for them, and he is obsessed with having things built waaaay stronger than necessary, which is why he wants the 6 lugs. I know this is confusing, but i need help here.

thanks
steve

[dennislbrooks]

I have had both rear axle flanges turned to the newer small size for $50 a pair in Dallas. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=178840

[project76]

Do the aftermarket 6 lug front disk setups have the smaller size hub on them? Anyone bought an aftermarket rear axle instead of having the stock one turned down?

[dennislbrooks]

I had a 6 lug replaced with aftermarket and it had the standard flange. Really if your existing bearing surfaces are in good shape, have the flanges turned down. For the correct sizing if you want the 72 drum size, get a drum from an auto parts to take to the machine shop or the late model wheel you are going to place then return it with thanks. Also if you run a 1 or 1.5 inch spacer you do not need to turn the flange down at all.

[Longhorn Man]

Do the 71/72 4X4 axle shafts have the big or small center?

[67Fleet]

Do what Dennis & I did and just pull the axles and have them turned. It's WAY cheaper that way, and it's a piece of cake to do it. It shouldn't take you more than a couple hours with simple hand tools. The hardest part is putting all the components of the drum brakes back together.

[project76]

I just went out and removed my axles and i was going to drop them off to have them machined tomorrow!! But now since i am going to run spacers, it looks as if im not gonna have to take em. Oh well at least i can replace the bearings and seals now.
dennislbrooks, i like the rear brake setup! However im not that creative, so im lookin to buy a disk set-up from http://www.blackwidowperformance.com/disc_kits.html
Im just waiting to find out what hub size there kit is made for.
67Fleet, thanks for the help in my PM

[dennislbrooks]

Most likely pulling your axles will not be a waste of time--most likely their kit takes the smaller flange. goodluck

[Bubba4spd]

Steve I understand your frustration with your dad. I worked for mine in the family business for over 25 yrs. But I will say this also.......the Romans built some bridges for foot and cart travel that supported German Tiger tanks in WWII and are still in use to this day. So overengineering has its place.

[Longhorn Man]

If not mistaken, the 5 1/2 inch studs are actually stronger than the 6 girley 7/16 studs.
mention that to dad.

[llegos]

thanks for the info, i wouldnt expect this many old farts to see it my way.....haha im just kidding, i really do appriciate all this input. I have discussed with him about a 5 lug swap, but he is being difficult and for some reason doesnt think that there are that many 'truck' rims for the 5 on 5 pattern. I guess to him truck rims are forged 1 piece with a 10000 lb weight rating each(thats an exaggeration). I tried to tell him that the weight rating for rims that came on big cars witht he 5 on 5 pattern would be enough to hold this, but he doesnt want to listen. This truck will never be used to haul anything heavy(the heaviest thing he has had in his 2000 ford F250 is a 'tiller.) i just dont like how he has to make everything more difficult than it is, and how he pretends that he knows what he is doing when he really doesnt. O well, i guess i will just have to live with it....

[Longhorn Man]

buy him out

[llegos]

yea, i kind of spent all my money on my portion of the truck, even though he said it was a 'gift' from him. So, um, next option.lol

[llegos]

just wondering, what rear axle does the newer 6 lug trucks use?