Axle Swap Question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

67ss&99ss · 03-15-2022, 10:03 AM

I have a 69 C10 that I want to convert to 5 lug. I have a pair of 71-72 5 lug axles and drums that I would like to use. Can these axles be used in the 69 housing if I have some spacers machined to go between the housing flange and backing plate to compensate for the longer 71-72 axle? I can get a sheet of aluminum for 30 bucks from McMaster Carr and have the machine work done by a friend for a case of beer most likely.

If this would work it's way more cost effective than buying conversion axles.

**pjmoreland** · 03-15-2022, 12:06 PM

A spacer like that would have to be .8125 thick. I don't think that would work because the bearing would also need to be moved outboard by .8125", but the bearing bore in the axle has a step in it where it is a larger diameter for the seal that far out. Even if the bearing bore weren't a problem, I'm not sure how you would attach the seal.

**pjmoreland** · 03-15-2022, 12:18 PM

Maybe you could use some axle saver bearings/seals to move the bearings outward. I'm not sure how far out they move the bearings.

**pjmoreland** · 03-15-2022, 01:41 PM

By the way, the spacer thickness I mentioned above was based on the axle lengths cited in this thread:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=532198

kaycee · 03-16-2022, 08:22 AM

Yes you can and YES that is what I did to my 69 10 + years ago ,I used 3/4" plate 1 plate for each side bolt it back up and send it. Not 1 problem since install

67ss&99ss · 03-16-2022, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaycee

Yes you can and YES that is what I did to my 69 10 + years ago ,I used 3/4" plate 1 plate for each side bolt it back up and send it. Not 1 problem since install

Thanks Kaycee. That is what I thought. As long as the machined surface of the axle is long enough to make contact with the bearing surface and sealing lip I didn't think it would be a problem. I appreciate you confirming.

**pjmoreland** · 03-16-2022, 11:29 AM

I have a set of the longer axles, and there is slightly less than 1/2" left of the machined surface. Standard bearings would be riding off the end of the machined surface. Axle saver bearings might get the bearings back onto the machined surface. There are some photos of axle saver bearings and wear marks from both styles of bearings in this thread:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=565622

kaycee · 03-17-2022, 08:06 AM

I would measure and be sure ,It has been a years since I did mine maybe mine had more machined area I cant remember. Mine works and never a problem, stab your axle and see where the bearing rides .

03-15-2022, 10:03 AM	#1
67ss&99ss Andy Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Cleveland, GA Posts: 225	Axle Swap Question I have a 69 C10 that I want to convert to 5 lug. I have a pair of 71-72 5 lug axles and drums that I would like to use. Can these axles be used in the 69 housing if I have some spacers machined to go between the housing flange and backing plate to compensate for the longer 71-72 axle? I can get a sheet of aluminum for 30 bucks from McMaster Carr and have the machine work done by a friend for a case of beer most likely. If this would work it's way more cost effective than buying conversion axles. __________________ 1967 Camaro SS 406\|522hp/514ft lbs\|M20 Muncie\|3.73s\|Posi 1969 CST/10 383\|Aisin AR5 5 speed 1972 K5 350\|Turbo 350 4x4 2005 Duramax 2500HD 4x4

03-15-2022, 12:06 PM	#2
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 6,002	Re: Axle Swap Question A spacer like that would have to be .8125 thick. I don't think that would work because the bearing would also need to be moved outboard by .8125", but the bearing bore in the axle has a step in it where it is a larger diameter for the seal that far out. Even if the bearing bore weren't a problem, I'm not sure how you would attach the seal. Attached Images

03-15-2022, 12:18 PM	#3
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 6,002	Re: Axle Swap Question Maybe you could use some axle saver bearings/seals to move the bearings outward. I'm not sure how far out they move the bearings.

03-15-2022, 01:41 PM	#4
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 6,002	Re: Axle Swap Question By the way, the spacer thickness I mentioned above was based on the axle lengths cited in this thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=532198

03-16-2022, 08:22 AM	#5
kaycee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Wyoming USA Posts: 2,451	Re: Axle Swap Question Yes you can and YES that is what I did to my 69 10 + years ago ,I used 3/4" plate 1 plate for each side bolt it back up and send it. Not 1 problem since install __________________ 2001 Silverado K-1500 2005 FXDWG stage3 69 CHEVY Short/Step 327/4L60 373 posi 63 IMPALA 327

03-16-2022, 11:29 AM	#7
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 6,002	Re: Axle Swap Question I have a set of the longer axles, and there is slightly less than 1/2" left of the machined surface. Standard bearings would be riding off the end of the machined surface. Axle saver bearings might get the bearings back onto the machined surface. There are some photos of axle saver bearings and wear marks from both styles of bearings in this thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=565622 Attached Images Last edited by pjmoreland; 03-16-2022 at 12:05 PM.

03-17-2022, 08:06 AM	#8
kaycee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Wyoming USA Posts: 2,451	Re: Axle Swap Question I would measure and be sure ,It has been a years since I did mine maybe mine had more machined area I cant remember. Mine works and never a problem, stab your axle and see where the bearing rides . __________________ 2001 Silverado K-1500 2005 FXDWG stage3 69 CHEVY Short/Step 327/4L60 373 posi 63 IMPALA 327



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