What is the best way to swap rear to 5 lug?

[jkade]

I was think on putting the rear out of the blazer in the truck but I hate to start parting it out and that means I will be that much futher behind when I get in the shop. What year axles will work in the 67's rear end? I looked at some from summit but they are $120 a piece. Are the axles out of a 87 down the same? What would you do? Would I be better off to pull mine and send them and have them redrilled? Are the 5 lug and 6 lug drums the same or will the interchange? Thanks In Advance

[Jim_PA]

You can use 71+ axles, but you need to buy new (2 3/4") brake drums. I did it this way, because I didn't have any rear brakes to begin with.

[skunkwerx]

my 6 lug rearend was shorter than my 72 5 lug rearend,so the axles were diff. sizes.

[jkade]

I guess I am going to have to pull the axles so I will know what length to get.

[uncle]

It will be easier (cheaper) to put a 5 lug rear in unless you know a good machine shop that can redrill your axles. You can buy drums pretty reasonable. Brake hardware is the same. I have also seen a few guys make a spacer to mount between the end of the axle tube and the backing plate so that they could use the 5 lug axles. It would need to be 3/4" on each side. I'm not telling you to do this,but I have seen a few do it that way.

[jkade]

Originally Posted by uncle

It will be easier (cheaper) to put a 5 lug rear in unless you know a good machine shop that can redrill your axles. You can buy drums pretty reasonable. Brake hardware is the same. I have also seen a few guys make a spacer to mount between the end of the axle tube and the backing plate so that they could use the 5 lug axles. It would need to be 3/4" on each side. I'm not telling you to do this,but I have seen a few do it that way.

I looked around on car-part and there are several around in the $150 to $200 range. That looks like it may be the best bet. Thanks Uncle for the advice.

[neonlarry]

They went to longer axles sometime in 70 so all 5lug axles will be too long for your rear. Your choices are aftermarket or weld and redrill yours.

[jkade]

I am gonna ask around town and see if I can find a complete rear. I guess it would be the simplest thing to do.

[skunkwerx]

i have 2 trucks and on one i had the axles re drilled,bought studs,diff.gasket,oil,drums drill,& spacers for the center hole.it cost around $200 so its cheeper to find a different rearend.