6-studs v/s 5-studs

[jim-bob]

...why do most folks change over their original 6 bolt hubs (axle) to 5? Like on my 67 GMC..

[TBONE1964]

Originally Posted by jim-bob

...why do most folks change over their original 6 bolt hubs (axle) to 5? Like on my 67 GMC..

Number one answer will be: Because there are 78 percent more wheel options for 5 on 5 wheels than there are 6 lug wheels.

You can buy 5 lug axles for your rear end (with a spider gear kit) but the front is more of a challenge unless you are doing a disc brake conversion. Then it is as easy as finding a 71/72 C10 pick up and swamping the complete cross member as they are disc brake with 5 on 5.

Hope this helps,
Tom

[jim-bob]

Originally Posted by TBONE1964

Number one answer will be: Because there are 78 percent more wheel options for 5 on 5 wheels than there are 6 lug wheels.

You can buy 5 lug axles for your rear end (with a spider gear kit) but the front is more of a challenge unless you are doing a disc brake conversion. Then it is as easy as finding a 71/72 C10 pick up and swamping the complete cross member as they are disc brake with 5 on 5.

Hope this helps,
Tom

..I'm not sure i follow you, I'm sorta dense.. I do want disc brakes all way around but are you saying there's no conversion kit offered for the original 6 lug pattern...What do you mean "swamping the complete cross member"??

[GASoline71]

More options for custom wheels and stock 71 and 72's had factory disc brakes (5 lug).

Gary

[lolife99]

There are many 6-lug disc brake kits.
CPP, McGaughy's, Early Classic Enterprises, Performance Online all have 6-lug kits.
The 67-72 trucks don't require a spider gear set to convert the rear axles to 5-lug.
And swapping used 71-72 or 73-87 crossmembers to get 5-lug rotors up front is a thing if the past!
All spindle manufacturers make direct bolt on spindles now.
No need to do a crossmember swap.

[hugger6933]

No need to swap unless your on budget restrains and/or have a bunch of truck parts laying around. Jim

[In The Ten Ring]

I'd stick with the originals man.

[jim-bob]

Originally Posted by In The Ten Ring

I'd stick with the originals man.

..you mean stay with the 6-lug?

[In The Ten Ring]

Originally Posted by jim-bob

..you mean stay with the 6-lug?

You betcha! If you can get disc brakes that will work with the 6 lug, then why change? How custom to we have to be concerning rims anyway?

[jim-bob]

Originally Posted by lolife99

There are many 6-lug disc brake kits.
CPP, McGaughy's, Early Classic Enterprises, Performance Online all have 6-lug kits.
The 67-72 trucks don't require a spider gear set to convert the rear axles to 5-lug.
And swapping used 71-72 or 73-87 crossmembers to get 5-lug rotors up front is a thing if the past!
All spindle manufacturers make direct bolt on spindles now.
No need to do a crossmember swap.

..thanks Keith..so staying with 6-lug will just limit my choices in buying wheels..Is there any other roadblocks?

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by jim-bob

..thanks Keith..so staying with 6-lug will just limit my choices in buying wheels..Is there any other roadblocks?

Just remember MOST 6-lug aftermarket wheels, made TODAY,... are for the 99-2015 silverado trucks.
Same bolt pattern,... but the center bore is way smaller than the 6-lug wheels built before 1971.
The hub on your 6-lug rearend is way bigger.
Personally I would switch to 5-lug.
It's a toss up on money.
Aftermarket 6-lug rotors vs aftermarket 5-lug axles.
Wheels selection will be greater in the 5-lug 5x5 pattern.

[TBONE1964]

Originally Posted by lolife99

There are many 6-lug disc brake kits.
CPP, McGaughy's, Early Classic Enterprises, Performance Online all have 6-lug kits.
The 67-72 trucks don't require a spider gear set to convert the rear axles to 5-lug.
And swapping used 71-72 or 73-87 crossmembers to get 5-lug rotors up front is a thing if the past!
All spindle manufacturers make direct bolt on spindles now.
No need to do a crossmember swap.

Not to argue Keith but it was my understanding that the 6 lug axles from 65-69 had a different spline count than the 70-72 axles which is why I thought you would need to change the spiders. I may be very well mis informed on that.

And yes there are certainly many options other than cross member swaps depending on a persons budget.

Good information,

Take care,
Tom

[lolife99]

Only the 63-64 rearends require the spider gear swap along with new axles.
https://www.performanceonline.com/19...IDER-GEAR-SET/
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=603025

[jim-bob]

..thanks to all..great info..believe I will change over..