rear end question

[1970bowtie]

im going to be getting a 373 factory posi rear end soon, problem is its six lug.i can use my five lug axles if there the same spline count right?

[1970bowtie]

anyone know?

[1969k10stepside]

IIRC,the 6 lug axles were wider than the ones that were 5 lug.But I also think I remember in late 69 or 70 they did become the same width,just 6 lug.Sorry I cant give you a definite anwser.Maybe someone else will jump in a give you some more info

[Longhorn Man]

if it is out of a 70, then you might be able to do it.
The 67 - early 70 were narrow, while the mid 70 - 72 were 3/8 inch wider on each side.

[1970bowtie]

thanks for the help guys, dont they make a kit to go from a 6 lug rear end to a five?

[uncle]

If it measures 57" from backing plate to backing plate,you can swap axles.

[1970bowtie]

thanks for the info uncle i hope it will work.. this way i wont just blow one tire ill blow two

[71 super]

If you already have a 3:73 gear in yours but a peg leg, why not just swap carriers instead of entire rear ends? Pull ring gear off of one and replace with ring gear out of existing 5 lug. The carriers are the same but the axle lengths are different- what ever you do do, do not mix and match gear sets.

[1970bowtie]

good idea super. but im not sure whats in the rear end i have now

[Goodguytrucks]

That is what I did....swapped the posi gear assembly and pinion gear into my 5 lug non posi rearend...I haven't driven it yet but it all assembled good

[65-72 chevytoys]

Originally Posted by 1970bowtie

good idea super. but im not sure whats in the rear end i have now

When you pull the diff cover the carrier unit where the ring and pinion gears are located will have either 4 small spider gears or springs and disk plates. If it is spider gears it is an open diff. if it has any springs it is already a posi.