Axles

[fleetimus]

What's the deal with 5 lug axles inta 6 lug rear ends??? Will it work?? If not , what is the difference??

Thanks

[cabinetguy]

I've heard you can do this, as long as you use the wider drum from the mid to late 70's trucks.

[Bus Ted Knuckle]

The 5 lug axle housings are about 1 1/2 inches wider (@3/4 inch per side), hence longer axles, so they will not work in a 67-70ish rear housing. I am just not sure if wider drums will fix the problem or not.

I switched out the whole rear end, it is an easy enough swap.

You can find a 71-72 rearend to swap, or you could use a 73-87 rearend with a little fab work.

[krue]

Actually some of the 70 rears are the right width to use the 71+ axles, you just have to measure and see.

[Mrrilla]

Another question on this topic...............

I have a late model 70 C10 running 6-lug axles (wide rear end). I was going to pull a set of 5-lug axles from a 73-81 2WD which should be the same width as a late 70-72. My question......If I use the drums from a 73-81 and change out the pads to the 11 5/32"x 2 3/4", will everything work out alright for wheel track, etc.? Do some 73-81 axles run the 11"x2" pad?

[Aarons72s]

Yes it will work. Get 5 lug axles out of a 73-81 12bolt 1/2 ton 2wd chevy or gmc pick up. Then grab a set of 74-87 2-3/4" x 11-5/32" brake drums to make up the difference in the widths. Then just remove your old axles and drums and install the new ones.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=235416

And here is a link with photos of it actually done,
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=215095

Mrrilla, it doesnt matter if the axles come from the 2" or 2-3/4" brakes axle, the difference is in the backing plates. Yes some 74-87 came with the 2" wide brakes, which are light duty. The 2-3/4" ones are heavy duty half tons. Just keep your stock brakes and backing plates and get a 2" brake drum. Unless you want the 2-34" brakes. Hope this helps and good luck.