Axels only or whole rear end swap?

[McCoyAZ]

One last question if I may:

Assuming I do keep the axels I have and convert them to 5 lug.

The brake drum of choice should be which one? I most likely will just buy new ones to avoid having them turned, Just need to know which year truck drum is the best choice for the stock axel?

[lasher78]

heres my 12bolt. appears to maybe have leak, has wettness around left outer edge.
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[Clyde65]

I think there are two sizes of brake drums, Please correct me if I am wrong.

I put 71/72 drums on mine when I had the Axles converted to 5 lug. Also, the brake check needs to be turned also ( axle center part, I think it should be 3.0866" or 78.3mm)

[McCoyAZ]

Originally Posted by Clyde65

I think there are two sizes of brake drums, Please correct me if I am wrong.

I put 71/72 drums on mine when I had the Axles converted to 5 lug. Also, the brake check needs to be turned also ( axle center part, I think it should be 3.0866" or 78.3mm)

I think there are 2 sizes 2 inch and 2 1/2 inch....but I reserve the right to be wrong. Standard 1/2 ton truck is the smaller of the two I believe.

[65Gregg]

Originally Posted by lasher78

my origanal is a 12bolt with 3:73 gears not posi. i am wanting to have 3:08 gears for better gas milage as this truck is going to be everyday driver. so i just figured it was cheaper to find newer rear with those gears and do the welding for springs vs. buying news axles and gears for mine?
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I you decide to switch your trans to an OD, I would reconsider which ratio you use. I have 3.73 with 28.5 tall tires on the rear and a 700r trans and don't think I'd go to anything else for fear of bogging with a 3.08. Just my$0.02 worth.

[lasher78]

i would like to switch to 700r4 but cant find one for a reasonible price, so right now stuck with the th350 but i may just keep rearend and see how much to change out axles to 5 lug with the hope of finding700r4 soon after.
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[Captainfab]

The same 11" x 2", 5 x 5 drums were used from '71 up thru the mid 70's. The 11" x 2.75" drums and brakes were an upgrade option. You would have to change the backing plates also to upgrade the brakes.

Yes you do also have to have the hub register turned down when you change the axles from 6 x 5.5" wheel stud pattern to the 5 x 5". The 6 x 5.5 hub register is aprox 3.5" and the 5 x 5 hub register is aprox 3.062".

Originally Posted by McCoyAZ

One last question if I may:

Assuming I do keep the axels I have and convert them to 5 lug.

The brake drum of choice should be which one? I most likely will just buy new ones to avoid having them turned, Just need to know which year truck drum is the best choice for the stock axel?

Originally Posted by Clyde65

I think there are two sizes of brake drums, Please correct me if I am wrong.

I put 71/72 drums on mine when I had the Axles converted to 5 lug. Also, the brake check needs to be turned also ( axle center part, I think it should be 3.0866" or 78.3mm)

[Captainfab]

It could be as simple as the cover bolts are a little loose. It would probably be a good idea to change the oil in the rear end. The rear end oil is one of the most neglected parts of vehicle maintenance. It will just cost you a couple quarts of gear oil and a cover gasket.

Originally Posted by lasher78

heres my 12bolt. appears to maybe have leak, has wettness around left outer edge.
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[Captainfab]

'70-'74 Impala/Caprice, '82-'02 S10, '88-'98 full sized pickup, '67-'70 pickup, and '80-'90 G series van.

Originally Posted by lasher78

what boosters are ur brakets made to use?
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