1972 chevy blazer rear end help

[2wdChevyblazer]

First post here ...been reading this forum for a couple of years watching guys build awesome trucks and blazers.
Finally got one

Im sorry if this has been asked a million times...
Ok here is my problem. I recently bought a 1972 chevy blazer that was converted to 2wd. Long story short it has a 6 lug rear end and I want to convert it to 5 lug
I have been told to put a 94-96 chevy caprice police rear end as it can take whatever I throw at it
Is this true or should I go with something else.
I would prefer disk brakes rather than drums since Im putting on nice wheels

The truck had a big block in it and that's why they put a 6 lug in it...hey that's the story I was told
Thank you

[LuckyScott]

I would look at just removing the axles, (not the whole reared), and see if they could be redrilled or replaced with new axles with the correct bolt pattern.

[2wdChevyblazer]

Luckscott I was told that I cant replace the axles
So either the guy is wrong or? maybe trying to sell me on a more expensive rear end...not sure
Thank You

[truckster]

Originally Posted by 2wdChevyblazer

First post here ...been reading this forum for a couple of years watching guys build awesome trucks and blazers.
Finally got one

Im sorry if this has been asked a million times...
Ok here is my problem. I recently bought a 1972 chevy blazer that was converted to 2wd. Long story short it has a 6 lug rear end and I want to convert it to 5 lug
I have been told to put a 94-96 chevy caprice police rear end as it can take whatever I throw at it
Is this true or should I go with something else.
I would prefer disk brakes rather than drums since Im putting on nice wheels

The truck had a big block in it and that's why they put a 6 lug in it...hey that's the story I was told
Thank you

First, welcome to the board.

Second, no 69-72 Blazers came from the factory with big blocks. The 4WD Blazers all had 6 lug axles, so if your fronts are 5 lugs, it's because those were changed in the conversion to 2wd.

You can definitely replace the axles - there are a number of vendors who sell 5 lug conversion axle shafts. Replacing them is relatively easy as it doesn't require an rear-end setup. However, that doesn't get you the rear disks you want. Board member CaptainFab would be a great resource to help you with that.

[2wdChevyblazer]

Thank you both very much. Gonna look for those axles now
Stephen

[notsolo]

You can definitely change the axles...... if you use the 94-96 Impala, Caprice rear, you will need to modify how it mounts....I added trailing arm crossmember, built coil spring mounts, mounted perches under 93 Caprice axle. Added " modified" crossmember for shocks. Rear cross members need to be removed to get shock crossmember in position. Whole drivetrain is out of a 93 Caprice wagon, 5.7 Tbi and 4L60 trans....And a Boyd EFI tank.

[chevyguy_72]

pretty sure a couple companies make conversion axles... i think the hub center is bigger on the 6 lug so doubt you can redrill those... but at the same time it also depends on the condition of the rear end itself... if its in need of a rebuild you might look at some other options like the caprice cop car or there were some 70s lincolns that had a 9" that is the correct width and 5x5 bolt pattern for our trucks... you would just need to cut off the lincoln brackets and weld on the gm ones... or there are several aftermarket rear end companies out there...

[hemi43]

Strange or Bear's will make axles for any rear end with any bolt circle in any length you need. Pull the original axles out, measure them, then order new ones. They're not that expensive and come with new bearings.

[2wdChevyblazer]

So I was told the reason that the rear end was left six lug was because the person who owned it, was racing it 1/4 and was told they put some money into the rear end.
They had a big block in it and they kept the motor and Put a 350 crate engine and I got it...has lots of power

Thank you all for your knowledge And Help
I honestly didnt think I would get a response that fast.
I honestly love talking car stuff with anyone that can show interest,
Best Forum
stephen

[Mike C]

Most likely a set of stock replacement 71-72 two wheel drive axles and brake drums will fix you up. Make sure you have the 11x2" brakes.

But you may have to actually take it apart and verify exactly what you have.