swap 68 6 lug to 5 lug

[51 68CHEVY]

I have a 1968 6 lug 373 posi rear that I would like to make a 5 lug.Is it best to redill the pattern to 5, or can I use like 71 5 lug axles, and get them cut down and regroved.and what drums would I use?I want the 68 rear because it is 3 inchs shorter than the 71 rear.What i have is i'm putting a 1954 chevy 3100 series on the 68 frame.

[lolife99]

I believe the rearend is only 1.5" narrower. (3/4" per side)
You can buy aftermarket axles or redrill your axles.
If you redrill your 6 lug axles at least 1 lug stud hole will have to be welded up. Also the center hub of the axle will have to be turned down to match the smaller bore of the 5-lug brake drums.
I would use 71-72 brake drums.

[chris mc bride]

IMO you would be better just buying a new set of axles. If its only 3/4 diffarance you might be able to have yours cut. The cost of new ones are probely not that much more,plus you know you have a good piece under your but when your clicking down the highway and if like me probaly near the tripple digit mark.