6 lug to 5 lug options if you have both complete axles

[neal64ss]

My dilemma is this:

- I have a 6 lug 1968 12 bolt rear with 3.08 posi in good condition.
- I have a 5 lug 1971 12 bolt rear with 3.73 open in good condition. (Axles are longer than the 1968 axles.)

I need 5 lug 3.08 posi.

I can put the 5 lug axles in the 1968 case but they sick out 1/4" more than the original 6 lug axles.

I could pull the ring, pinion and carrier out of the 1968 case and put in the 1971 case and have what I need, but seems like a lot of trouble setting the gears up and all.

I could have the 6 lug axles redrilled but the cost estimates are more than half of what it would cost to just buy conversion axles, which would be the easiest and most expensive solution.

As far as I can tell there is no way to shorten the 1971 axles to the same length as the 1968 axles.

Does anyone have any other ideas that I might be overlooking for a solution?