5 lug axle swap

[Roll'nSlo]

I'm sure this has already been discussed but I wasnt able to find the info I'm looking for. My question is has anybody tried swapping a axles with like a '73 or newer to keep the same rear end and make it a 5 lug? I have a rear end out of an '86 burb I'm thinking about using if possible. Thanks in advance.

[firemanjimtfd]

Here is a link

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=456299

[kieth]

Originally Posted by Roll'nSlo

I'm sure this has already been discussed but I wasnt able to find the info I'm looking for. My question is has anybody tried swapping a axles with like a '73 or newer to keep the same rear end and make it a 5 lug? I have a rear end out of an '86 burb I'm thinking about using if possible. Thanks in advance.

We had a local machine shop do ours, converted one to 5 x 5 and one to 5 x 4.75" because we ran into a deal on some cragars.....they just weld up the old holes and redrill the new 5 lug pattern then install the appropriate new studs. One also has to turn the center of the axle shaft down to accommodate the later model rear drums. cost was about $100.00 for the machine work plus the studs and new rear drums. Kieth

[davbowen]

I think the 73+ axles are longer

[Clyde65]

I had mine re drilled on my pickup bed trailer like Keith said, I believe it was Peyton Performance that did mine in Waxahachie. Cost was about what Keith stated.

[kieth]

Originally Posted by davbowen

I think the 73+ axles are longer

They are longer and I think the 67-72 axles are longer also.......I have swapped some around off other 64-66 trucks but ran into the fact that trucks with leaf spring suspensions had longer axles also (64-66) ???not 100% sure about that but be sure and check before you trade or buy other axles.......Kieth

axle picture:
http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-GMC/i-8bbRfcq/A

new brake drum with high speed cooling fins:
http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-GMC/i-4G39bfw/A



we did have to drill out the back side of the dust cover to make a slot which allowed us to adjust the brakes, the older brake drums had a slot on the outer side of the drum which allowed one to adjust the brakes....

[Roll'nSlo]

Thanks for all the info. I'm going to check around to find a machine shop to redo my axles.

[chevyrestoguy]

In '71, when GM went to the 5x5 bolt pattern, the width of the rear ends increased by 1.5". This measurement stayed all the way until 1988, when they changed the body style.

Unfortunately. there are no direct-swap factory axles to convert a 6-lug to a 5-lug. You either have to fill/drill your 6-lug axles, or order a new set of 5-lug axles from Moser, Strange, Mark Williams, etc.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by chevyrestoguy

In '71, when GM went to the 5x5 bolt pattern, the width of the rear ends increased by 1.5". This measurement stayed all the way until 1988, when they changed the body style.

Unfortunately. there are no direct-swap factory axles to convert a 6-lug to a 5-lug. You either have to fill/drill your 6-lug axles, or order a new set of 5-lug axles from Moser, Strange, Mark Williams, etc.

New aftermarket axles = zero wear & stronger vs. spending money to modify 30yr old parts.

[chevyrestoguy]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

New aftermarket axles = zero wear & stronger vs. spending money to modify 30yr old parts.

Yep, I think nearly everybody hits that decision at some time during their build. That's exactly why I went a bought a new set of Strange axles when I narrowed my 12-bolt in the '64. Buy 'em once, never worry about 'em again.

[brokenspoke]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

New aftermarket axles = zero wear & stronger vs. spending money to modify 30yr old parts.

^^^^what he said ^^^^

[Joe Pass]

Speedway motors makes a 5 lug axle kit for this
http://www.speedwaymotors.com

[Roll'nSlo]

Well after everyone's input and a lot of thought, think I'm going to switch them out with new ones. Especially considering I'm putting a stout big block in it.

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by Roll'nSlo

Well after everyone's input and a lot of thought, think I'm going to switch them out with new ones. Especially considering I'm putting a stout big block in it.

BEST answer!^^^