Can I pull the 6 lug rear axles ('69) and replace with 5lug axles from another truck?

[scottv]

12 bolt c10 1969

Would this work?

[Mr Handy]

I believe the 69 and earlier rear end is shorter then the 5 lug rears, so the 5 lug axils will be to long. I have a 70 and was able to use 5 lug shafts out of a 71 12 bolt but I ended up going back to 6 lug and doing 6 lug disks up front....
I don't remember what the measurements of the 2 rear ends are but I am sure someone will chime in with them and you can measure your rear to be sure...

Here take a look at this thread
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=408353

[GCncsuHD]

No, the 5 lug axles in the 71-72 trucks are slightly longer than the 67-69 axle shafts. 70 was a mixed year with both length axles, but still 6 lug.

Any competent machine shop can redrill your 6 lug axles in the 5 lug pattern and press in new studs (requires plug welding one hole), you can get conversion axle shafts, or you can have the later shafts cut down and resplined.

If you have access to a 5 lug axle, why not swap the whole housing in if the ratio is suitable to you.

[scottv]

Thanks. The truck is a 70 but I measured between the backing plates in the rear and came up with 55 and 1/4 so sounds like I got a 69 and earlier rear end/axle. I didn't want to mess with getting another whole housing because I would have to worry about it being good, the one on there works so I figured the easiest thing to do would be get the axle redrilled to 5x5. Thanks guys.

[CC69Rat]

You need the 30.5" long axles for the early housing. 71-72 are 31 5/16" long (wheel mounting surface to the end of the splines) The early housing IMO is much more desirable because you can run less backspacing. Your wheel will appear wider from the outside. The early housing is .75" shorter per side than the late housing.

Have you ever removed axles ? Are you familiar with the pin bolt breaking? It's pretty common. PM me if yours breaks when you take it apart.