Drilling 5 bolt to 6 bolt - disks, drums and axles

[WB72]

Is it ok to redrill the disks, axles and drums with no strength degrading or other issues?

My components are in good condition and would be a shame to purchase new while there is still lots of life left in them.

Of course it would be done by a machine shop for accuracy.

[GR8-68]

Not sure about your area but after pricing getting the axles re drilled it was just as cheap to get a pair of axles. I was going from 6 to 5

[custom10nut]

Nope. Each of the bolt patterns are cast for that purpose. A five bolt hub doesn't have the strength in the right area to be filled and re-drilled fo six.
Years ago I looked into doing this because I figured it would be cheaper for me to take a 71 hub assembly to a machine shop and have it reworked to fit my six bolt 70. The nice man explained to me the amount of labor involved to even try this. It's not even close to economical.
There's lots of conversation kits out there, and at very reasonable prices.
Is your truck a daily driver, or used for towing?
The drums work fine for occasional drivers.
I guess it comes down to if its worth the cost to you to do the conversion.

[Mike C]

Not sure why you would want to got to 6 from 5... but would be easy to swap your 5 lugger stuff to someone else wanting to get rid of the 6.

[WB72]

Originally Posted by custom10nut

Nope. Each of the bolt patterns are cast for that purpose. A five bolt hub doesn't have the strength in the right area to be filled and re-drilled fo six.
Years ago I looked into doing this because I figured it would be cheaper for me to take a 71 hub assembly to a machine shop and have it reworked to fit my six bolt 70. The nice man explained to me the amount of labor involved to even try this. It's not even close to economical.
There's lots of conversation kits out there, and at very reasonable prices.
Is your truck a daily driver, or used for towing?
The drums work fine for occasional drivers.
I guess it comes down to if its worth the cost to you to do the conversion.

It will be an occasional driver, just a time or two per month, and I live in Canada, so the driving season is shorter than most.

I wasn't to run a certain rim is the reason for 6 bolt conversion.

I have a friend who owns a machine shop, the labor would be a swap for beer or favour.

I have not noticed any difference in the casting of the drums, I believe disks and axles are machined, I can't imagine them being different.

[WB72]

Originally Posted by Mike C

Not sure why you would want to got to 6 from 5... but would be easy to swap your 5 lugger stuff to someone else wanting to get rid of the 6.

I have been looking for someone local to supply them to me, but have had no luck. I'll keep looking.

[Nick2x2x]

Anyone have any idea about if 99 GMC serria parts will work spindles rotors rear brake assambely

[WB72]

Originally Posted by Nick2x2x

Anyone have any idea about if 99 GMC serria parts will work spindles rotors rear brake assambely

Is there an option of a swap from other vehicles?

[Nick2x2x]

Originally Posted by WB72

Is there an option of a swap from other vehicles?

As of now no I bought a 99 GMC for the 5.3 LS and wasn't sure if ant of the disc brake components would work on my 70 C10. 99 GMC has power disc brakes on all four corners I could put that rear end in my 70 but with some fab work.