Converting a 10 bolt front axle from 6 lug to 8 lug

[silverbear]

I have an 86 K10 with 6 lug, 10 bolt axles and 3.73 gears. I use this truck to play a bit on the farm but mostly as a light duty work truck. I have a Dana 60 rear axle with 3.73 gears that I would like to exchange for the rear axle in my truck. Since it has 8 lugs, I would like to convert my front axle to 8 lugs as well. I know GM used the 10 bolt axles under a lot of 3/4 ton trucks back then but I can't seem to find information on parts to make this conversion. Can anyone offer any advise on sourcing components or atleast let me know what all I would need to swap in order to make this conversion?

Thanks,

[Mike C]

Does your truck currently have 3.73 gears? If so, all you need are all the outboard parts. Backing plates, spindles, rotors, hubs. You can use your calipers if memory serves.

If you don't have 3.73 you need a complete 8 lug donor axle that does. Fortunately, 3.73 are very common in the 8 lug setups.

[silverbear]

Thanks Mike C. Yes I do currently have 3.73 gears in my truck. Will I be able to use my axle shaft with the 8 lug hubs? Are the steering knuckles the same?

[andrewmp6]

Something to read http://coloradok5.com/8lugconversion.shtml

[silverbear]

Thanks andrewmp6. Excellent info.

Does anyone know if I have to use 8lug parts from a 10 bolt donor or will the parts from a 12 bolt axle fit on my 10 bolt?

[andrewmp6]

Well gm never made a 12 bolt front so its gonna be a 10 bolt for parts.

[silverbear]

Originally Posted by andrewmp6

Well gm never made a 12 bolt front so its gonna be a 10 bolt for parts.

Maybe I should have drank some coffee before I posted my last question. I knew GM didn't make a 12 bolt front. What I should have asked is if the the 10 bolt parts and Dana 44 parts are interchangeable? I have seen postings for the backing plates that say they are the same.

I have also recently discovered the spindle is the same between the 10 bolt 6 lug and 8 lug. So backing plates, rotors, hub and caliper are the only parts I need to source.

[obijuan]

From the knuckles out are interchangable. Keep the spindle with the hub. There are two types, small(early) and big bearing(later) spindles. It's easy to work around, but avoid the curve ball.

[kwmech]

Good grief, it is this simple. Since your truck is an 86 it already has all the good stuff.(aside from the inner 28 spline shafts) All you need is a later model 79 to 91 (10 bolt) 8 lug backing plate and hub and rotor assy. (that's it....) Everything else is the same. unless you want to get into the diameter of the puc in the 3/4 ton caliper. You don't even have to bleed the brakes, just bungee cord the 1/2 caliper out of the way and use it over, other than that you'll need 9/16 '' lug nuts of course

[Mike C]

Yup. Just the backing plates on out. Depending on what your 60 is our of, it may need different size lugs than the 8 lug 10 bolt. What is the donor for your 60?