5 Lug or 6 Lug Disc Conversion? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

aurorable · 04-17-2005, 01:15 PM

What would be the choice among those on here between a 5 lug or 6 lug disc brake conversion. I have a 6 lug setup on my 70 GMC now. I'm trying to weigh all my options before digging into this project. If I change to 5 lug, then I would have to change the rear to look right. What to do

thanks, steve

Longhorn Man · 04-17-2005, 02:47 PM

I look at it like this, the 6 lug rotors are not common parts, you have to special order, and I wouldn't be suprised if it is only one company making them.
I'd go 5 lug.

70short/step · 04-17-2005, 03:31 PM

It also depends on what wheels you want to run. There are so many more wheel styles to choose from in 5 lug. I went with 5 lug on my 70.

boraxman · 04-17-2005, 04:10 PM

5 lug on my 70 also.

FirstGen · 04-17-2005, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

I look at it like this, the 6 lug rotors are not common parts, you have to special order, and I wouldn't be suprised if it is only one company making them.
I'd go 5 lug.

really is autozone/orielys hard to get parts from? seriously look at the "early disc brake swap" thread...

Kas68c10 · 04-17-2005, 10:16 PM

changed the 68 to 5 lug for the wheeel syle choice...

FirstGen · 04-18-2005, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kas68c10

changed the 68 to 5 lug for the wheeel syle choice...

yeah that's exactly why I wanted to keep 6 lug...

Kas68c10 · 04-18-2005, 08:53 AM

Actually, I guess I did it for the pwr disc brakes setup...

FirstGen · 04-18-2005, 10:47 AM

really? obviously it would be just as easy to go power disc on a 5 lug compared to 6 lug disc. I choose not to use power brakes because of the cam in my truck, not alot of vaccume and I don't want to add a canister or pump or any of that junk...

Kas68c10 · 04-18-2005, 11:58 AM

donor truck was 5 lug

Longhorn Man · 04-18-2005, 06:45 PM

Haven't looked for this thread yet...getting rerady to, but why would they carry 6 lug rotors? They were never offered on anything that would swap onto our rides.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FirstGen

really is autozone/orielys hard to get parts from? seriously look at the "early disc brake swap" thread...

69 longhorn · 04-18-2005, 07:49 PM

I wouldnt think a 6 lug rotor would be common in most parts stores(order item maybe?) One good thing tho, is that those rotors were very thick on the old trucks......if you have a new set, you can turn em enough to do probabl 4 or 5 brake jobs. Thats a bunch of miles!

L

68w/sbc406 · 04-18-2005, 08:20 PM

it all depends on what you want. i bought 6 lug rotors from ECE that will fit stock 5 lug spindles, they cost more but then you dont have to mess with an axel swap too. it keeps the 'original' look plus how many 6 lug disc trucks are out there??? also if you go 5 lug you have to get new wheels now where 6 lug you can get them later. but with 6 lug rotors you will have to pay more if they warp and you need new ones. pros and cons to each. it all depends on what you want.

FirstGen · 04-18-2005, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

Haven't looked for this thread yet...getting rerady to, but why would they carry 6 lug rotors? They were never offered on anything that would swap onto our rides.

Well they came on the 1990's 2500 series trucks. I used the spindle and newer ball joints to do the swap. All parts I used were from off the shelf stuff at AutoZone... any 1988-1998 spindle will work you just have to make sure it has the 1.25" rotors. Then go buy new 6 lug rotors if it didn't already have them...thread is in the FAQ section now...

Brainchild · 04-18-2005, 11:54 PM

I'd go to 5 lug,and swap to the later model calipers while you're at it.I have a 71,and the way they tell it at Oriellys/Autozone and NAPA is that that was a one year caliper,and brakeline,andthey can't get them.I did manage to find one at Carquest,and got it going again,but it's about due pads,and from my understandin I can use 73-87 calipers,and lines,and have a much easier time getting parts.

Correct me if I'm wrong on this one guys,this was what I was told by the manager of NAPA.Also seems the later model lines are about half price too.

Either way Power disc is hte only way to stop

Longhorn Man · 04-19-2005, 06:19 AM

yup, 1/2 ton 1971 is a one year set up.
Sucks trying to find obsolete stuff huh?
First gen...I'll have to go read that, this is the first I have heard of it.

FirstGen · 04-19-2005, 10:54 AM

longhorn man - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php3?t=35042
the guy starts off kind shady like it was hard to tell if he really did the swap or not. Actually one of the part numbers he gives was wrong , but I actually did it and it was pretty simple. I posted pics of the results also.
Take care.

04-17-2005, 01:15 PM	#1
aurorable Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Joppa, Maryland Posts: 12	5 Lug or 6 Lug Disc Conversion? What would be the choice among those on here between a 5 lug or 6 lug disc brake conversion. I have a 6 lug setup on my 70 GMC now. I'm trying to weigh all my options before digging into this project. If I change to 5 lug, then I would have to change the rear to look right. What to do thanks, steve

04-17-2005, 03:31 PM	#3
70short/step Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 1,579	It also depends on what wheels you want to run. There are so many more wheel styles to choose from in 5 lug. I went with 5 lug on my 70. __________________ For every person with a spark of genius, There are a hundred with ignition trouble. 70 Short/Step

04-17-2005, 04:10 PM	#4
boraxman Keepin an eye out Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: So.Cal Posts: 3,920	5 lug on my 70 also. __________________ 1970 Chevy C10 SWB 5.3 1996 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 2007 Vespa GTS 250 Scooter ZIP 91351

04-17-2005, 10:16 PM	#6
Kas68c10 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Freeland,Michigan,USA Posts: 312	changed the 68 to 5 lug for the wheeel syle choice... __________________ 1968 SWB Stepside, 250,pwr disc brake and tilt pwr steering, 5 spd tranny, HEI,Accel coil,K&N filter,Seat from a later truck with built in seatbelts, front and rear sway bars, moved gas tank to under the bed, headman hedders, new chrome bumpers,one wire alternator,Weber k550cub carburator...WORK IN PROGRESS, Freeland MI , Just bought a 72 Jimmy!!!!!!!!!!!

04-18-2005, 08:53 AM	#8
Kas68c10 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Freeland,Michigan,USA Posts: 312	Actually, I guess I did it for the pwr disc brakes setup... __________________ 1968 SWB Stepside, 250,pwr disc brake and tilt pwr steering, 5 spd tranny, HEI,Accel coil,K&N filter,Seat from a later truck with built in seatbelts, front and rear sway bars, moved gas tank to under the bed, headman hedders, new chrome bumpers,one wire alternator,Weber k550cub carburator...WORK IN PROGRESS, Freeland MI , Just bought a 72 Jimmy!!!!!!!!!!!

04-17-2005, 02:47 PM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	I look at it like this, the 6 lug rotors are not common parts, you have to special order, and I wouldn't be suprised if it is only one company making them. I'd go 5 lug.

04-18-2005, 10:47 AM	#9
FirstGen Just Don't Stop! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dallas Posts: 1,239	really? obviously it would be just as easy to go power disc on a 5 lug compared to 6 lug disc. I choose not to use power brakes because of the cam in my truck, not alot of vaccume and I don't want to add a canister or pump or any of that junk... __________________ 1968 C10 build in process TT LSA/6L90e/9"

04-18-2005, 11:58 AM	#10
Kas68c10 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Freeland,Michigan,USA Posts: 312	donor truck was 5 lug __________________ 1968 SWB Stepside, 250,pwr disc brake and tilt pwr steering, 5 spd tranny, HEI,Accel coil,K&N filter,Seat from a later truck with built in seatbelts, front and rear sway bars, moved gas tank to under the bed, headman hedders, new chrome bumpers,one wire alternator,Weber k550cub carburator...WORK IN PROGRESS, Freeland MI , Just bought a 72 Jimmy!!!!!!!!!!!

04-18-2005, 07:49 PM	#12
69 longhorn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: rock island,il,usa Posts: 5,382	I wouldnt think a 6 lug rotor would be common in most parts stores(order item maybe?) One good thing tho, is that those rotors were very thick on the old trucks......if you have a new set, you can turn em enough to do probabl 4 or 5 brake jobs. Thats a bunch of miles! L __________________ http://community.webshots.com/user/hotrodhorn

04-18-2005, 08:20 PM	#13
68w/sbc406 Got Light Emitting Diode? Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Newberg, OR Posts: 2,485	it all depends on what you want. i bought 6 lug rotors from ECE that will fit stock 5 lug spindles, they cost more but then you dont have to mess with an axel swap too. it keeps the 'original' look plus how many 6 lug disc trucks are out there??? also if you go 5 lug you have to get new wheels now where 6 lug you can get them later. but with 6 lug rotors you will have to pay more if they warp and you need new ones. pros and cons to each. it all depends on what you want. __________________ 1968 1/2 ton 2wd lwb 6 lug disc and bags up front. Next c notch and rear bags '02 Chevy Silverado LT ext cab short bed 2WD 5/7 drop on 22's(the family car) 1993 Cherokee work ride/weekend wheeler

04-18-2005, 11:54 PM	#15
Brainchild Still drivin' a Rat Rod Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Monett Missouri Posts: 4,925	I'd go to 5 lug,and swap to the later model calipers while you're at it.I have a 71,and the way they tell it at Oriellys/Autozone and NAPA is that that was a one year caliper,and brakeline,andthey can't get them.I did manage to find one at Carquest,and got it going again,but it's about due pads,and from my understandin I can use 73-87 calipers,and lines,and have a much easier time getting parts. Correct me if I'm wrong on this one guys,this was what I was told by the manager of NAPA.Also seems the later model lines are about half price too. Either way Power disc is hte only way to stop __________________ Rusty Member #13872 Instead of saying.....you are a discomfort in the back of my front.....one should be able to say...... you are a pain in the a$# 71 GMC LWB 49 Chevy 85 Chevy G20 Check out my website

04-19-2005, 06:19 AM	#16
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	yup, 1/2 ton 1971 is a one year set up. Sucks trying to find obsolete stuff huh? First gen...I'll have to go read that, this is the first I have heard of it.

04-19-2005, 10:54 AM	#17
FirstGen Just Don't Stop! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dallas Posts: 1,239	longhorn man - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php3?t=35042 the guy starts off kind shady like it was hard to tell if he really did the swap or not. Actually one of the part numbers he gives was wrong , but I actually did it and it was pretty simple. I posted pics of the results also. Take care. __________________ 1968 C10 build in process TT LSA/6L90e/9"



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