6 to 5 lug conversion

[65 chevy stepside]

i have a 12 bolt rear with 6 lug drum brakes. I need to convert it to 5 lug. I've seen kits as shown below to convert to disc brakes but dont know if i need to get new axles or not. i need the cheapest solution. thanks

[66jax]

Are you wanting to swap to discs, or can you keep drums? I am converting my front to discs right now and took my drums and axles to a machine shop and had them re drilled to 5x5, cost me about $75 and 10 new studs.
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[65 chevy stepside]

Originally Posted by 66jax

Are you wanting to swap to discs, or can you keep drums? I am converting my front to discs right now and took my drums and axles to a machine shop and had them re drilled to 5x5, cost me about $75 and 10 new studs.
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i wanted to but wasn't sure how to do it as cost effectively as possible

[Captainfab]

If you have a '64 to early '70 12 bolt, all you have to do is either buy the 5 lug conversionn axles, or have your axles plugged and drilled to 5x5. Then you will need the drums for a '71 to mid 70's truck with the 2" wide shoes. Before you spend any money on having your original axles plugged and drilled, be sure the bearing surfaces are in good useable condition. After 40-50 years of use, many of them are not in good condition.

[65 chevy stepside]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

If you have a '64 to early '70 12 bolt, all you have to do is either buy the 5 lug conversionn axles, or have your axles plugged and drilled to 5x5. Then you will need the drums for a '71 to mid 70's truck with the 2" wide shoes. Before you spend any money on having your original axles plugged and drilled, be sure the bearing surfaces are in good useable condition. After 40-50 years of use, many of them are not in good condition.

i'm trying to convert it from 6 lug drum to 5 lug disc. not back to drum thanks for your advice though

[Captainfab]

Sorry I misunderstood.

If you're wanting rear discs, I sell 3 different rear disc conversion brackets for the 5x5 wheel bolt pattern. There are links in my signature line.

Originally Posted by 65 chevy stepside

i'm trying to convert it from 6 lug drum to 5 lug disc. not back to drum thanks for your advice though

[65 chevy stepside]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Sorry I misunderstood.

If you're wanting rear discs, I sell 3 different rear disc conversion brackets for the 5x5 wheel bolt pattern. There are links in my signature line.

so your saying i dont have to change up the axles? if i buy the mount and brake stuff

[Captainfab]

The original axles will have to have the original wheel stud holes plugged, and the 5x5 wheel bolt pattern drilled. Then the center drum register will have to be machined down to aprox 3.06". Then there is the possibility that the OD of the axle flange will need machined down, This depends on the rotors you use, but most of the time it is not needed. So by the time you pay for that machine work, how much more money is it going to be for brand new axles. Like I said before, you need to check the wheel bearing surface and see just what condition your original axles are in. Then decide if they are worth putting some money into.

Originally Posted by 65 chevy stepside

so your saying i dont have to change up the axles? if i buy the mount and brake stuff