Rear end info

[CUSTOM_1O]

so i have a 6 lug drum brake setup on my truck and i know i want to convert to 5 lug disc breaks im going to buy the kit to convert to disc and 5 lug for the front but i was wondering what you guys thought for the rear if i should do the same or just pull the rear end out and replace with a rear end thats already 5 lug or possible 5 lug with disc already if so what kind of rear ends are compatable with a 69 c10 half ton long bed


thanks

[lolife99]

You can buy just the 5 lug axles to go into the rearend housing that is in your truck now,... or you can use a rearend from a 1/2 ton 71-72 truck.
They are 5 lug from the factory and are a bolt in easy swap.

[72BlckButy]

CUSTOM_10, I ran into the same problem when we were deciding to lower my truck; to keep the 6-lug or upgrade to the 5-lug setup. For me I wanted to keep is as close to factory spec as possible so I retained the 6-lug setup.

Now... a couple things to consider:

Are you planning on purchasing larger dia. wheels/tires? If so, the '69 rear is narrower allowing for a deeper dished wheel in the rear. (the "cool" factor) If you keep the original '69 rearend you can contact ECE (Early Classic Enterprises) and swap in their 5-lug rear axles.

If you upgrade to a '71-72 rear end you need to realize the rearend is actually wider than the '67-70 rearend. The reason for the wider rearend in the later models is due to the disc brakes up front. When you add disc brakes to the front of a '67-70 truck it will widen the front track 3/4" on each side (1.5" overall).

My build thread documents this issue and what we did to resolve it.

Again, let me know if you have any other questions.

Nate

[CUSTOM_1O]

Originally Posted by lolife99

you can buy just the 5 lug axles to go into the rearend housing that is in your truck now,... Or you can use a rearend from a 1/2 ton 71-72 truck.
They are 5 lug from the factory and are a bolt in easy swap.

any idea on what a good price would be

[CUSTOM_1O]

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

CUSTOM_10, I ran into the same problem when we were deciding to lower my truck; to keep the 6-lug or upgrade to the 5-lug setup. For me I wanted to keep is as close to factory spec as possible so I retained the 6-lug setup.

Now... a couple things to consider:

Are you planning on purchasing larger dia. wheels/tires? If so, the '69 rear is narrower allowing for a deeper dished wheel in the rear. (the "cool" factor) If you keep the original '69 rearend you can contact ECE (Early Classic Enterprises) and swap in their 5-lug rear axles.

If you upgrade to a '71-72 rear end you need to realize the rearend is actually wider than the '67-70 rearend. The reason for the wider rearend in the later models is due to the disc brakes up front. When you add disc brakes to the front of a '67-70 truck it will widen the front track 3/4" on each side (1.5" overall).

My build thread documents this issue and what we did to resolve it.

Again, let me know if you have any other questions.

Nate

ya this actually what ive been leaning more towards

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by CUSTOM_1O

any idea on what a good price would be

Conversion axles are around $325/pair.
A good price on a 71-72 rearend would be $150 or less.
I have two 71-72 rearends,... but both need new axles, bearings, and seals.
So if your rearend is fine,... an axle swap might be cheaper.

[CUSTOM_1O]

ya im just considering the axle swap because the axle in there now is perfectly fine and its the heavy duty rear end so i should be fine with the 5 lug swap...

ive seen it on brothers and early classics anyone know where to possibly find one cheaper???


thanks

[Pont406]

I got conversion axles from summit http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SAG-PA5855/
Good axles but I had a hard time getting wheel studs for them.

[CUSTOM_1O]

ya ive seen it on there aswell but im looking for the complete kit with bearings and all