6 lug to 5 lug swap worth it?

[pat]

I plan on getting drop spindles, so the front swap will be no problem (5 lug spindles actually $10 less than 6 lug). How much work to swap the rear axle, what options, cost, etc. Also, what quantity of good 6 lug rims are there? Thanks

[Hutch]

I think it is a good swap.
You might get away with just an axle swap for the rear. (Depending on your year model)
One reason to keep it six lugs is: if you already have a substantial investment in your current wheels.
There is a good supply of the Chevrolet Rally wheels available in both six and five lug in the 15x8 size. Check at the local swap meets.
If you like the larger diameter wheels then 5 lugs is the way to go.
Some members have just had their six-lug rear axles plugged and redrilled for the 5 on 5-lug pattern.
Front rotors are less expensive in the more generic 5-lug variety.
Don't forget the spare you never know when you will need it.
Overall it makes good sense to go with the 5-lug swap.

Here are some helpful board hints:

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[ChevLoRay]

I did a swap on my '69, and kept the 6-lug pattern. Why? Well, I didn't want to change the wheels, nor did I want to change the rear end. In the future, IF I find a 71-72 rear axle, AND I want to, I can put it in and swap the rotors on the front and have a 5-lug system. Your truck will never know which one it has. There are a butt-load of 6-lug wheels on the market.

One thing to remember, is that switching to a disc-brake front end will add about an inch of track to your vehicle. With that in mind, you will have to watch the width and offset of the wheels that you run on the front. Early Classic Enterprises components have been thoroughly reliable and make my truck a dream to drive.

Now, if I can just get my automatic choke sorted out, the cold weather won't plague me!

[pat]

Thanks for the info Hutch and ChevLoRay. Im still thinking about the switch, I think I can get a 5 lug rear end from my friends wrecked '69. Im updating my profile now too, thanks for tips.

[1968GMC]

69 has 6 lug unless your frend already changed it in the past.

[Reumster]

It's worth it to do the swap. You can many times just find a 71 72 at the junk yard and buy what you need. It's worth it in the long run, as far as wheels, safty of disk brakes. And looks.

Do it. If you plan on keeping the truck.

[pat]

What all would i need to take off of the donor truck?

[Iron-Butt]

there are more options for the 5 lug. I like mine better with the 5 lug conversion.

[crazy longhorn]

Pat, for parts off the donor truck, you will need..... spindles, rotors , calipers, lower a arms, centerlink & tierod assys, master , lines,hoses & prop block. Also you need to install new balljoint assys(go for the yr of the spindle).On the balljoints 71-72 are the same, 73 up the upper ball joint & outer tierod have a different taper. At the rear on your 68, the best /cheapest way would be to swap a 71-72 diff in (complete)....67-69 housings are 1 1/2" narrower that the 70-72(70 is 6 lug, but the 71-72 axles shafts will fit. Good luck.....AL