5 lug versus 6 lug - recommendationSS please

[327-C10]

I have a 68 swb truck I purchased last fall. The pervious Owner had converted the front suspension to a 5 lug 5", disk brakes with 2 1//2 drop. While the rear axle is the original 6 lug 5.5, drum brake. Of course this currently makes for miss matched wheels.

I have located a "Halibrand - Kidney Bean wheel with a Mag-Coat finish" that I like. After talking with Halibrand they will make a set in 5 lug or 6 lug, 16" 17" and 18". They will also make custom back spacing as needed. They're not cheap and they're not expesive. But I would like the lugs count to match. Is this where I'm making my first mistake????? comments appreciated.

Here are my Questions: Please feel free to give me your opinionSS.

1. As I understand the change to disk brakes has already changed the front back space. Can anyone confirm. PS, I don't know whose converstion kit was used.

2. I've located wheel adaptors that go both direction 5 lugs to 6 lug and also 6 lug to 5 lug. However, these are 2 inches thick and I have never been a fan of spacers/adaptors. Are they safer than I assume????

3. THIS IS REALLY WHERE I THINK I NEED TO BE. Do I convert the front disk (remembering I don'y know the manufacturer) from 5 lug to 6 lugSS???? and leave the rear end alone. OR do I find a axle shaft shafts and bkakes to convert the rear to 5 LugSS?? Rear is air bagged and frame is notched if that has any bearing.

4. I've seen, but I wasn't considering it, drum brake to disk brake conversions for the stock rear axle. I think if I only changed the axle shafts that conversion would also work. Any thoughtSS ??

Please, anyone's answers will be appreciated.

thank you 327-C10

[N2TRUX]

If it were me I would buy the conversion axles to replace the rear. Since your front is already updated with 5 lug and disc brakes, leave it alone. Change the rear to five lug with new axles, and ad discs there if you like.

In my mind those wheels are going to look better in a 5 lug version. A set of 18's with disc brakes all around would really rock your ride...

[327-C10]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Change the rear to five lug with new axles, and ad discs there if you like.

Anyone know if this is available as a kit anyplace????

[CSGAS]

Buy both sets of wheels and give me the ones you don't use JK

Converting either way is about the same expense. Wheels don't seem to be easier to get until you go to passenger car bolt patterns, and converting all four wheels takes up anything you'd save there. Since the money comes out to be a wash, it amounts to personal preference.

[67/72junkie]

67/68/69 6lug rear is narrower than 71/72 most 70 rears are the same as 71/72 .If you are going to use a deep dish rear wheel and not so deep on the front I wold just have rear axle flanges welded up and drilled to 5 lug pattern. If using the same size wheels front and rear I would locate 71/72 5 lug rearend to swap so front end is not wider than rear.

[Tx Firefighter]

Early Classic Enterprises sells a kit to convert your 6 lug rear to five lug.

As far as the Hallibrands, I wish you lots of positive luck. Lots of guys over the years have given up on ever getting wheels from them. They never seem to deliver as promised. It doesn't help that the company has been through a string of financial changes over the years either.

[Classic Heartbeat]

The easiest remidy is just buy 6 lug rotors. They should be a direct bolt. Everyone that I know uses the 1 1/2" spindle pin so the conversion rotors will work fine for you. By the way, we have a set in stock.. WES

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

....As far as the Hallibrands, I wish you lots of positive luck. Lots of guys over the years have given up on ever getting wheels from them. They never seem to deliver as promised......

Not quite as cool as Halibrands, but pretty close are the ARE "Salt Flats". They are available in in 18's and 20's now.

[mark57]

Moser Engineering in Indiana will plug and re-drill your axles for 5 lug. I think they charge $85 a pair + shipping. Website is www.moserengineering.com, look under tech info.

[69pickupnyc]

I have a five lug rear and six lug for sale joe 1-718-634 1268

[highperf4x4]

I say change the rear to 5 lug. But like junkie says, I'd grab a 71/72 rearend. My truck is a '72 and I went with 8" rims in the font and 10" in the rear and they both look flush to the body.

[327-C10]

Originally Posted by highperf4x4

I say change the rear to 5 lug. But like junkie says, I'd grab a 71/72 rearend. My truck is a '72 and I went with 8" rims in the font and 10" in the rear and they both look flush to the body.

Does anyone know how much wider the 71, 72 axle is and what back spacing do you need for the 10" wheel?

I really liked the idea of sending my axle shafts to be plugged and drilled as 5 lug.

Thanks for all the help to date. 327-C10

[TonyJohnson]

The 6 lug rotors seem like a no-brainer to me. You can sell the 5 lug rotors you pull off and probably not limp too badly...

[TonyJohnson]

If you do the axles, I'd do it locally. Shipping will kill you on two axles...