12 bolt 6 lug to 5 lug straight swap?

[buttrock slp ss]

i have a 69 c10 thats 6 lug drums all around i bought a parts truck that has disc brakes and its 5 lug i was curious if the 5 lug axles that are in the parts trucks 12 bolt i can use in my current 12 bolt that has 6 lug axles in it? i have not done much research yet just curious. thanks for any input.

[ksbrktracer]

I believe the 5-lug rearends are wider and the axles will not interchange, There are aftermarket axles that will fit and are made for this conversion, maybe you could even have your axles redrilled to 5-lug pattern ....

[buttrock slp ss]

thanks, yeah i figured something was probably diff like that. I have seen the 5 lug conversion axles on like classic performance parts.com and stuff but they didn't list any dimensions or anything vs a 6 lug axle.

[VA72C10]

67-69 are one size and later 69-72 are the wider width....not 100% sure the axles interchange, but there are 70 6 lug rears that are the same width as 71-72's with 5 lugs..

[ERASER5]

Do not re-drill the axles. The holes will over lap, no way around it.

Swap the whole differential from your parts truck, or, if you have a certain ratio, or posi already, get after market 5 lug axles.

[corvetteman10]

I am doing the same swap but i am going to use the complete 5 lug rear end. Is there a reason why you cant use yours?

[ksbrktracer]

personally I am gonna run the narrower axle so I can run a deeper wheel

[ERASER5]

Originally Posted by ksbrktracer

personally I am gonna run the narrower axle so I can run a deeper wheel

Excellent plan. If you are already going to run different rims front and rear, by all means, a slightly narrower rear should work to your advantage.

[Longhorn Man]

the narrower rear won't net you any more room. The space for the tire is the limiting factor.
As stated, the axle shafts will not properly swap. Some will tell you to do it with wider drums, and some will tell you there's has gone 7 years with no issues. But it is an unsafe modification.
Swap out the whole rear end.

[65Guy]

Oh yea.... I just took the back tires off my truck and someone before me put the longer axles in my truck. The drums only ride on about half the pad. Not very safe....

[buttrock slp ss]

thanks every one its no big deal im gonna do mini tubs at some point that will net me some extra space, but the main reason i wanted to kinda skid by is i have a factory option posi unit in my truck. I have not taken the diff cover off or simply jacked up the rear diff and spun the tires on the parts truck yet. Its good to know the different widths in years thanks guys. Depending on the out come ill probably just buy a pair of after market axles. $289 for 2 new 5 lug axles isnt too bad, then ill just use 71-72 drums and i will be golden if the other unit is not a posi. btw the truck is a 68 its a roller with 6 rubber maid tubs of parts lol. its a short bed step side with a disc brakes up front, i dont trust the booster and prop valve where swapped from the disc brake truck they used so im gonna get new ones of thoose as well as a 71-72 brake pedal to booster rod.

[tantrumpipeline]

CPP makes a kit for our trucks ordering one monday, talk to jeff we get 10% off forbeing board members, he's a deadly guy to deal with and shipping is quickhttp://www.classicperform.com/Store/...k/6569RACK.htm

[buttrock slp ss]

awesome thats who im gonna go through thanks for the info bro!

[tantrumpipeline]

for sure, I'm having great luck with these guys, got cpp tranny x member, c notches, grand slam kit(5.5in frt 7in rear drop, disc brake and booster setup, front end rebuild), trailing arm rebuild kit, poly body mounts, all on order from them just on the way the dealings have gone, everyones different but I've had great luck with them abd the 10% off is nice for sure

[mrhino]

I'v done 3 rear disc conversions now and honestly best way Iv found so far is Moser Engineering.. So Keep your rear end and get a set of Moser axles they have them already made for your rear end with 5 lugs, or they will custom make a set any way you want.

heres a link http://www.moserengineering.com/axle...spline-30.html

[tantrumpipeline]

Originally Posted by mrhino

I'v done 3 rear disc conversions now and honestly best way Iv found so far is Moser Engineering.. So Keep your rear end and get a set of Moser axles they have them already made for your rear end with 5 lugs, or they will custom make a set any way you want.

heres a link http://www.moserengineering.com/axle...spline-30.html

don't know much about CPP as far as tough goes, but when I was into rockcrawling, mosers are very very tough, may wanna go that route, I'm not going to have the HP for any problems

[npoe2982]

this is good info i was just going to swap axles from a 72 to a 67 rear end glad i wont waste time. new to the forum i appreciate all the tips

[tantrumpipeline]

the 72 is a wider axle but that's an easy swap as well

[AustinScott]

All images are provided by performanceonline.com and used only as reference.

12bolt 5 lug conversion axle 1965-1969


12bolt 5 lug conversion axle 1970



Performaceonline has what you need if you want to make the swap & don't end up using the axles you have.

By the way, I was told that you could use the axles you have in the 67-69 "short" housing, but you just have to get the wide rear brake shoes so the will engage more than 9o% of their width to the drum.

-=scott=-

[npoe2982]

i just picked up a 12 bolt from a 72 seems like its in good shape. just going to swap the whole thing. not sure what the ratio is yet but that should of no real consequence i should still be able to use the guts from my 67 if i prefer. i think i can even use the wheel cylinders but not sure.

[chevytruckluver]

Originally Posted by mrhino

I'v done 3 rear disc conversions now and honestly best way Iv found so far is Moser Engineering.. So Keep your rear end and get a set of Moser axles they have them already made for your rear end with 5 lugs, or they will custom make a set any way you want.

heres a link http://www.moserengineering.com/axle...spline-30.html

I am another Moser satisfied customer

[chevytruckluver]

Originally Posted by npoe2982

i just picked up a 12 bolt from a 72 seems like its in good shape. just going to swap the whole thing. not sure what the ratio is yet but that should of no real consequence i should still be able to use the guts from my 67 if i prefer. i think i can even use the wheel cylinders but not sure.

from Texas
You can use the guts from the 67 rear in a 72 housing but you better know what you are doing. setting up gears requires a dial indicator, at the very least you will need a new crush sleeve on the pinion, even if you are able to use the same spacers.

[1stchevy]

I ordered mine from Early Classic Enterprises and the axles they sent were from Dutchman Motorsports. Nice looking stuff no issues, as I'm sure Moser would be the same way.

[prostreetC-10]

Originally Posted by 1stchevy

I ordered mine from Early Classic Enterprises and the axles they sent were from Dutchman Motorsports. Nice looking stuff no issues, as I'm sure Moser would be the same way.

Portland in da house! They setup a 9" for me for my '68 Camaro.

[npoe2982]

i could possibly strap a log to the control arms and fashion some stone wheels and get by but i should probably know what i doing before hand. do you think i might need a dial indicator?