68 6 lug to 5 lug

[68_-c\10]

I am wanting to make my 6 lug axles 5 lug. I am wondering if there is enough space to redrill to make 5 on 5 bolt pattern or do i have to swap axles out
Thanks

[TBONE1964]

I have heard of people doing this. I am not sure I would but it is possible. I would buy 5 lug axles for your rear end and a set of drums.

For a 68 truck the kit in the link below would be the best way to go, not the cheapest way. You will probably have close to $100.00 in a set of new drums.

Something to think about.

http://www.dreamershotrods.com/5-lug...yandgmcpu.aspx

[Sammy]

Yes, you can have yours re-drilled. There was an article I believe in "Classic Trucks" or "Custom Classic Trucks" magazine. It stated any good machine shop can do this. I also have saved a Company in my local area that advertises that procedure. I didn't go that route personally just the later year rear, but considered it. Because once you pull the axles, replace axle bearings, seals, new drums, refill with gear lube, shoes it was much easier to get 71/72 5 lug. As far as the cost involved I have no idea.

[CC69Rat]

Not to correct anyone, .. just saying. The 68 rear end housing will likely be shorter overall than the 71-72 housing. The 68 6 lug axles will be 30 1/2 in if you measure from the mounting surface (where the wheel would mate to the axle) to the very end of the axle. 71-72 5 lug axles will be 31 5/16 in long in this same measurement.

If you would rather swap 71-72, get the whole axle. .. that way you get your drums and brake mech too. .. $100-$150 on Craigslist.

If you measure from the inside of one backing plate to the other, an early housing will be 55 1/2" wide. The later housing will be 57"


Personally, I don't see a problem with re-drilling the old 6 lug axles but the wear of 40+ years and the fact I already had mine apart I went with Moser. $260 for new ones, with bearings, seals, all of it.. and it's simple to change too. C clips are pretty straight forward.

[hugger6933]

CC69Rat makes a good point and Moser also makes a top notch quaility product, A long time trusted name in the industry.

[67ctener]

I have a 67 that unfortunately came with the newer 5 lug rear end. I was hoping for year correct rear end just so I could put a deeper wheel on my truck. All depends what route you wanna go I guess. Bolt in newer rear end and drive it or put new axles or re drill yours. Chances are being 45 years old you may have some pitting on your shafts and new axles wouldn't be a bad idea. I put yukons in mine for 130/piece
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[Smith & Sons]

I did this on our 67 c10.It required new 72 drums ,which are finned,but heavier.I had the axils custom made by Dutchman.They have a diagram you fill out with all of your dimensions.You can redrill the old ones,but they may be ready to start failing on the bearing surface anyway.The new ones by Dutchman are much stronger.

[Smith & Sons]

After going to 5 lug & having 17" Coys wheels drilled for the new setup I dicsovered that all the new trucks are 6 lug.Depends on what you want.Are you going to a wrecking yard to score some 18" wheels? Do you want to find an easy replacement for a bent wheel on a long road trip? You could say that about my custom Dutchman axils,but I'm not running that kind of horsepower.

[2500HD]

Originally Posted by 68_-c\10

I am wanting to make my 6 lug axles 5 lug. I am wondering if there is enough space to redrill to make 5 on 5 bolt pattern or do i have to swap axles out
Thanks

I did this on my 67. There is enough room, one hole will over lap with one of the original 6 but it is not a problem. the stud will go in and seat properly. Keep in mind the axle flange will also need to be turned down. The flange on six lug axles is much larger and the 5 lug brake drum will not go over unless it is turned down. 5 lug wheels will also have the same problem if the flange is not turned. take the new drum, studs and the axles to a machine shop and they will get it right. i think it cost me $160 for the machine shop.

On my 70 i just bought new axles from EEC. The link above is for 60 to 66, the spline count if different from 66 below and 67 and above.