Re-Drilling axle shafts - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Hoffman65burb · 04-20-2009, 02:50 AM

Hey,

I heard that you could get your 6 lug axle shafts redrilled by a machine shop to 5 lug. Is it cheaper than just buying new axle shafts? any downsides to doing this? Whats the processs the machine shop goes through to do this?

thanks

JimKshortstep4x4 · 04-20-2009, 04:52 AM

It is probably cheaper to drill new holes then to buy new axle shafts. The machine shops lay out the 5 bolt pattern on the flange and drill the right size hole so that the studs will press in place.

Before having the axles drilled make sure that the bearing surfaces are good.

If you are looking at doing it to the 69 listed in your signature it probably has the shorter axles so you would want to make sure of the availability of axles if you are looking at that option.

Jim

cdowns · 04-20-2009, 07:09 AM

you might also give some thought as to the brake drums too//check bearing surface of axels also the spline condition

psmall000 · 04-20-2009, 12:35 PM

Keep in mind that anytime you drill on a powertrane component, you weaken it, so if this truck has anykind of decent power, say 300 +, you might want new axles.

neonlarry · 04-20-2009, 03:19 PM

Also IIRC at least one of the original stud holes will have to be welded.

Hoffman65burb · 04-20-2009, 08:33 PM

Would is be wise to buy used 5 lug axle shafts from at 67-72 pu?

low'n slow · 04-20-2009, 10:46 PM

Late 1970 rear ends and after are wider and you need to find different drums to fully engage your brake shoes. Some people just stick the old ones on, but it's not what I would do.

04-20-2009, 02:50 AM	#1
Hoffman65burb Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Vancouver BC Posts: 448	Re-Drilling axle shafts Hey, I heard that you could get your 6 lug axle shafts redrilled by a machine shop to 5 lug. Is it cheaper than just buying new axle shafts? any downsides to doing this? Whats the processs the machine shop goes through to do this? thanks __________________ 1978 GMC Jimmy 454bbc Turbo400 NP205 3.73 gears 4inch lift 33's

04-20-2009, 04:52 AM	#2
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Re: Re-Drilling axle shafts It is probably cheaper to drill new holes then to buy new axle shafts. The machine shops lay out the 5 bolt pattern on the flange and drill the right size hole so that the studs will press in place. Before having the axles drilled make sure that the bearing surfaces are good. If you are looking at doing it to the 69 listed in your signature it probably has the shorter axles so you would want to make sure of the availability of axles if you are looking at that option. Jim __________________ 1971 Shortbox step side 4x4, 350 sbc, 3:07 rear end 1965 Impala SS 400 sbc, Muncie rock crusher 1966 Impala SS 396 bbc, TH 400 1969 El Camino, 350 sbc, TH 350 1971 Snowplow built on a Blazer frame 1972 GMC Short bed, stepside, TH 400, 427 BBC

04-20-2009, 07:09 AM	#3
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Re-Drilling axle shafts you might also give some thought as to the brake drums too//check bearing surface of axels also the spline condition __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

04-20-2009, 12:35 PM	#4
psmall000 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Booneville, Ar. Posts: 39	Re: Re-Drilling axle shafts Keep in mind that anytime you drill on a powertrane component, you weaken it, so if this truck has anykind of decent power, say 300 +, you might want new axles.

04-20-2009, 03:19 PM	#5
neonlarry Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Vacaville, CA Posts: 2,746	Re: Re-Drilling axle shafts Also IIRC at least one of the original stud holes will have to be welded. __________________ 70 C/10 Light Red 350/TH350, HEI, Duals w/40 series Flows, 91 seat, LED taillights 99 Pontiac S/C GTP, SLP Ram Air hood, GMPP Konis & springs 95 Neon ACR, MP PCM, AFX UDP, 3.0 CAI

04-20-2009, 08:33 PM	#6
Hoffman65burb Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Vancouver BC Posts: 448	Re: Re-Drilling axle shafts Would is be wise to buy used 5 lug axle shafts from at 67-72 pu? __________________ 1978 GMC Jimmy 454bbc Turbo400 NP205 3.73 gears 4inch lift 33's

04-20-2009, 10:46 PM	#7
low'n slow Too Dumb To Know Better Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 882	Re: Re-Drilling axle shafts Late 1970 rear ends and after are wider and you need to find different drums to fully engage your brake shoes. Some people just stick the old ones on, but it's not what I would do.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.