Drum Brake conversion question

[sportfish69]

I have a 68 rear end and want to convert to 5 lug axles. will drum brakes from 73-86 C10 work on a rear end from 67-70?

[russgoodman]

I just did the conversion on my 69 with a narrow rear and I just replaced the axle shafts with some new ones from Moser. Not sure if you have the square body setup laying around or how much money you want to spend, but just changing out the axles and putting 5 lug drums on it was easier to me.

[sportfish69]

Thanks for the reply. I think I will do the same as you. I converted the front of my 69 to five lug not thinking of the rear axles.
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[Mike C]

In 1970 they changed to a wider axle housing. It is same width as the '71-'72 5 luggers. Also make sure that is the one you have. Sometimes assembly line stuff doesn't always work out. An early '70 might of had a '69 axle housing. But not sure how that width compares to the '73 and up half tonners so do some research before you spend too much money...

[tlcrz1972]

I believe there are to many differences with the 73 up axles, backing plates, shoes widths, drum widths to be a compatible change over.


Yes taking 71-72 axles, backing plates, brake assys, drums etc. is an easy change, there is about a 1/4" difference in lengths, but it causes no problems.

[sportfish69]

I have a 68 rear end I was told. I will double check to make sure.
Don't have the later drums in hand but can get my hands on some.
Would like to reuse some of the parts I have.
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[Sammy]

Two of the many ways to do this are the most popular. Swap out the entire rear to a 71 or 72 rear. Or just simply pull your axles have them redrilled for 5 on 5 at a machine shop. I think ECE and a few vendors also sell replacement axles for your 68 rear too but a bit pricer in the long run.