rear axle question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Richie · 11-03-2002, 09:11 PM

I know this has been asked before but it has been a while since I have been here.I just swapped all my lowering kit into my 69 step side and before swapping the front to disc,I have to deal with the rear axle.Can you put the five lug axles in the six lug housing if you change the backing plates and brake shoes? I thought I heard that the backing plates were different and the brake shoes were wider on the 72's but if you changed them onto the earlier rear housing together,then you could install the 72 axles into the housing.I was just wondering as I would like to keep the gear ratio of the 69 in the truck. Thanks in advance for the help.

crazy longhorn · 11-03-2002, 09:33 PM

I havent done that swap, but read a post from a member that did. from what i understand, he had the 6 lug axles redrilled, then slipped the 71 up drums right on. I dont recall any change on the back plates, but the 67-69 housings are approx1 1/2" narrower than 70-72. Good luck....crazy AL

**MikeB** · 11-03-2002, 09:50 PM

The axle tubes and axles were shorter in 69. So, if you install 71/72 axles, the brake drums will stick out farther than the brake shoes. To change 69 axles to 5 lug, I had a machine shop (one that specialized in axles) plug and re-drill my axle flanges for 5 on 5. Got this done 6 years ago and they still look OK. By the way, those 71/72 finned rear drums make a big difference when you're using your brakes lot!

**Tim Christian** · 11-03-2002, 09:56 PM

Hey Richie, Why don't you just swap rearends with the 72?

Richie · 11-04-2002, 07:45 PM

Well Tim,I am selling the 72 so I want to leave it as stock as possible. I have another rear end that is five lug but wanted to keep the rear ratio in the 6 lug rear.I guess I will be swapping it after all,lol.Oh well not a problem,I was just wondering if it could be done.Now to get discs on the five lug rear!!!

11-03-2002, 09:11 PM	#1
Richie 4:13 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: St. Cloud, Florida Posts: 500	rear axle question I know this has been asked before but it has been a while since I have been here.I just swapped all my lowering kit into my 69 step side and before swapping the front to disc,I have to deal with the rear axle.Can you put the five lug axles in the six lug housing if you change the backing plates and brake shoes? I thought I heard that the backing plates were different and the brake shoes were wider on the 72's but if you changed them onto the earlier rear housing together,then you could install the 72 axles into the housing.I was just wondering as I would like to keep the gear ratio of the 69 in the truck. Thanks in advance for the help.

11-03-2002, 09:50 PM	#3
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,475	The axle tubes and axles were shorter in 69. So, if you install 71/72 axles, the brake drums will stick out farther than the brake shoes. To change 69 axles to 5 lug, I had a machine shop (one that specialized in axles) plug and re-drill my axle flanges for 5 on 5. Got this done 6 years ago and they still look OK. By the way, those 71/72 finned rear drums make a big difference when you're using your brakes lot! __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

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11-03-2002, 09:33 PM	#2
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,403	I havent done that swap, but read a post from a member that did. from what i understand, he had the 6 lug axles redrilled, then slipped the 71 up drums right on. I dont recall any change on the back plates, but the 67-69 housings are approx1 1/2" narrower than 70-72. Good luck....crazy AL

11-03-2002, 09:56 PM	#4
Tim Christian Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: TN/VA Posts: 6,388	Hey Richie, Why don't you just swap rearends with the 72?

11-04-2002, 07:45 PM	#5
Richie 4:13 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: St. Cloud, Florida Posts: 500	Well Tim,I am selling the 72 so I want to leave it as stock as possible. I have another rear end that is five lug but wanted to keep the rear ratio in the 6 lug rear.I guess I will be swapping it after all,lol.Oh well not a problem,I was just wondering if it could be done.Now to get discs on the five lug rear!!!



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