Late Model 3/4 spidles with 6 lug Swaps?

[ChopTop]

Many of you may know my lack of apprehension when it comes to swapping front suspension parts on our trucks. I have a freind who drives one of those late 6 lug 3/4 ton chevy trucks around 90 model or so. I measured the axle on it when it was brought up on this board about swapping the rears. These trucks come with 14 bolt rears and should be the same bolt pattern as many of our trucks. My question is: Why can't we swap the spindle's and rotors onto our trucks? What are some Caliper options with this spindle? Has anyone tried this combo? This would seem like a great alternative to the 5 lug update and use all OEM parts in the process. Can you imagine if you needed a disk in a hurry and the only way you could get one was to special order your 6lug rotor from somewhere across the country? Not me friend. Lets hear your thoughts.

[Mike C]

Very seldomly does an auto parts store have anything that fits my vehicles anymore. You need much more specific info than you will get off this board. What is the ball joint taper and diameter upper and lower? What is the height of the spindle relative to the lower ball joint? What is the height of the spindle and how will it affect geometry? Will I be able to align to spec with the different height spindle? Is it front steer or rear steer? Steering arms in from the top or bottom? What is the taper on the tie rod? Diameter? What is the piston diameter of the caliper? What is the fluid requirement compared to an early master cylinder? Will the hub centric new wheel fit on an older rear axle? Is the 6 lug pattern the old 6 on 5.5 or is it a new metric spacing? What is the lug nut taper or do you require different lugs front and rear? While there is a possibility of a swap here, it is not like putting new perches on a rear axle housing. You will need to get accurate dimensions of the spindle assembly and specs for joints as well as specs for original 67-72 joints, which differer for drums and discs on 3/4 tons I know and possibly 1/2 tons. There are several ball joint/control arm options to choose from to make adapting easier, but I doubt you get this kind of info from an internet message board...

[Longhorn Man]

Are you positive that 6 lug deal is a 3/4 ton? I don't think it is.

[ChopTop]

Yes Longhorn, it is a 2500 series. To me that means 3/4, but I don't know much about those newer trucks. As far as all these different dimensions, I would really like to know if somebody tried this. Has anyone gave it a shot? I have a lot of faith in this internet message board. This message board is THE place to get info on my truck. Personally I am really not all that caught up in a fact spec resto, I look for things that are cheap and work. My Current 1/2 ton has 1976 3/4 ton front crossmember down to the balljoints with 1/2 ton spindles and rotors for example. Who cares about Caliper specs like that anyway? Seems to me the question about Calipers is what all calipers did GM put on that spindle? Maybe there were dual piston aluminam calipers invovled. Lets not try to spread a bunch of Fog over this idea. Instead maybe we can find some answers.

[Mike C]

From 88-92 or so GM made a light duty 2500 series truck with 6 lug wheels. I see them every now and again. I have been toying with the semi floater 14 bolt which is 6 lug as a replacement for my Jimmys 12 bolt where I don't have to buy new wheels. Most were 4.10 gears as well.

[Longhorn Man]

Cool, I thought they were HD 1/2 tons or something.