6 to 5 lug rear axle (Weld and redrill)?

[ljackson]

Has anyone had a machine shop weld and redrill their axles?

[markeb01]

Here's an earlier thread on the topic:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ight=rear+axle

And here's a tip - when redrilling, one or more of the existing holes need to be plugged. Rather than puddle welding the hole, the guy that did mine sliced up an axle stud keeping only the splined portion. That was pressed into the hole and tacked in place, avoiding excessive welding that could warp the flange.

[jason65]

I used a kit like this to convert mine. http://www.classicperform.com/Store/.../6369RAC-5.htm

[Hickup pickup]

I had Key Engineering (tom yancer racecars) do mine, It is necessary to weld at least one, but two is better, holes also I had them turn down the center of the hub to match the 5 lug hub centric diameter leaving a ridge to center the 6 lug drum which was also re drilled but not necessary to weld. He charged me $125.00 for the whole job or $35 each for just the axles

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Hickup pickup

I had Key Engineering (tom yancer racecars) do mine, It is necessary to weld at least one, but two is better, holes also I had them turn down the center of the hub to match the 5 lug hub centric diameter leaving a ridge to center the 6 lug drum which was also re drilled but not necessary to weld. He charged me $125.00 for the whole job or $35 each for just the axles

That how I had some 6-lug axles/drums done. I wanted the GM car pattern (5x4.75).

[tapeworm]

I've heard Moser does a good job as well. There is alot of discussion about this on the HAMB as well

[SCOTI]

I did mine back in the late 80's/early 90's. If I did it again today, I'd go aftermarket (moser).

[Captainfab]

I would guggest first making sure that the wheel bearing surfaces on your axles are in good condition before putting any money into them. Check with your local welding/machine shops to see what they will charge to do the work. Then compare those figures with what a set of aftermarket conversion axles will cost. As Jason posted, CPP sells them as well as ECE and Summit Racing. If your truck is a '63 or '64 you will need to replace the spider gears if you go with the aftermarket axles. That is another cost to factor into the swap.

[tapeworm]

[QUOTE=Captainfab;4020130]As Jason posted, CPP sells them as well as ECE and Summit Racing. If your truck is a '63 or '64 you will need to QUOTE]

Good to know that

What spider gears need to be used?

[Captainfab]

The '63 & '64 rear differentials had 17 spline side spiders. The '65 and up had 30 spline side spiders. The conversion axles are for 30 spline side spiders. CPP and ECE sell replacement side spiders also. You might check with some of the differential parts suppliers, and compare pricing.

[quote=tapeworm;4022007]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

As Jason posted, CPP sells them as well as ECE and Summit Racing. If your truck is a '63 or '64 you will need to QUOTE]

Good to know that

What spider gears need to be used?

[ljackson]

Thanks to all for the info. markeb01, I searched several ways and did not find anything. Thanks for the link. The info provided here is very good. I am going to call my machine shop guy. I'm building a '64 with my son. We are on a pretty tight budget.
Eugene

[fryer1979]

Just bookmarking as my own question was answered in the linked thread. Thanks for the info guys.