axle swap is it possible

[yellowGT]

Could you pull the pre 71 6 lug axles and slide in some 5 lug axles from a 71-72 truck?

[Jim_PA]

Yes, but you might need different brake drums. They could be 3/8" longer.

Congratulations on opening this can of worms again

[yellowGT]

sorry....but I needed the info for my neighbor plus I tried searching this info but I was getting nowhere even though I have seen the info before. He has the axles and drums already just need to swap them.

[Jim_PA]

If you have the narrow housing, you need the larger brake drums to take up the extra length of the axles. I THINK the standard size is the 2" drums and the wide ones you'll probably need are 2 1/2" . I have a set of the wide drums laying around that I used for a few months while I was running around on long axles in my short housing.

[LOW DOUGH]

Originally Posted by Jim_PA

If you have the narrow housing, you need the larger brake drums to take up the extra length of the axles. I THINK the standard size is the 2" drums and the wide ones you'll probably need are 2 1/2" . I have a set of the wide drums laying around that I used for a few months while I was running around on long axles in my short housing.

I didn't know that would work, but now that I think of it, I think I have read that before and seen pics.

But, what I was going to say is:

It would have to be the wider 70 axle for it to work. Measure the 2 and you will see.

Also, were are you in Garland. I am in Sachse right off 78.

[Jim_PA]

Yes, it works fine. I used it that way for a year or so, and eventually built a 71 housing with a LSD rear.

It won't be long before someone chimes in with it's against the law, it's going to kill you, it's irresponsible, and you are putting everyone around you in danger, ETC.... Just wait for it

[yellowGT]

Originally Posted by LOW DOUGH

I didn't know that would work, but now that I think of it, I think I have read that before and seen pics.

But, what I was going to say is:

It would have to be the wider 70 axle for it to work. Measure the 2 and you will see.

Also, were are you in Garland. I am in Sachse right off 78.

He doesnt have the housing for the axles that he has. He only has the axles and drums. We would have to take the 6 luggers off and check them out if not he'll have to buy drums.


Im down by 78 where it meets with 1st street (pretty close to that anyways)

[Jim_PA]

Originally Posted by yellowGT

He doesnt have the housing for the axles that he has. He only has the axles and drums. We would have to take the 6 luggers off and check them out if not he'll have to buy drums.


Im down by 78 where it meets with 1st street (pretty close to that anyways)

Take out old axles - look at the length.

If the new axles are longer, you'll need the deeper 2 1/2" drums. Note, you'll still be using the 2" brake shoes and other hardware.

If the axles happen to be the same length, then you obviously don't need to make any more changes.