rear axles

[orange_classicbowtie]

need info on axles. I have two rear ends one with 4:10 ratio posi with 6 lug axles. other is 3:08 open with 5 lug axles.. Both are 12-bolts one 68 the other 72. I have built the short frame up with 72 5 lug disc... question is.. can I remove the 5-lug axles from the 3:08 rear end and exchange them into the 4:10 rear end with no problem?? I drove the truck already with the 4:10 ratio and it is awesome.. I really do not want the 3:08' s. My delima is the set off wheels I want to put on are five lug... Any suggestions??? Thanks ahead for your response... Glen

[Longhorn Man]

You won't be able to do that... the 72 one is 3/8 inch wider on each side.

[cdowns]

you could switch the ring and pinion s for not much money if you have the proper tools and most important would b the factory service manual

[orange_classicbowtie]

Thanks Longhorn Man, was unsure if axles were different.Have not taken either apart.I am not sure about the year of the 5-lug I will have to investigate,it actually came from a GMC 1970.. I am unsure but I thought the 5-lug did not come out until the 72 models...Would that make the housing longer also?

[orange_classicbowtie]

Thanks cdowns, That was my first idea. was not wanting to tear down both to find out if axles would not interchange. Not sure if axle splines are same for the 5-lug to 6-lug.I thought it maybe a larger size from one to the other...Guess I am going to pull one of each to compare...Do you know for sure if both left and right axles are equal length?? or is one longer than other??? Thanks again for your help

[Longhorn Man]

I think the shafts are the same left to right... but not positive.
71 was the first year for 5 lug. In mid 1970, they went from the narrow to the wide rear end. So many 1970 trucks could just have the 5 lug shafts and drums thrown in.... but nothing older.

[weeble]

CPP has the 5 lug shorter axles to fit into a earlier model rear end for $300 for the pair