Cheap way to convert my 1968 chevy C10 to 5 lug rear drum or disc

[KMC3420]

I have the motive gear rear 5 lug axles in my 68 rearend, they fit perfect. I have yet to log any miles but am happy so far with them. I did put new bearings, seals and c clips. I did replace the cross shaft bolt as well. If planning on going disc brakes captainfab has his kit on this board, but there is also a kit that Little shop mfg has. I will likely be going with this kit. The rotors are zinc plated for rust prevention. I haven’t done a price comparison but the captainfab kit would allow you to source your rotor/caliper of choice. You can get coated calipers/rotors from rockauto which will be specifically for rust prevention.

Little Shop Mfg

Captainfab kit

[Andy4639]

I would not do the rear disc brake kits. The money and time are not worth the end results. The truck doesn't stop any better than it does with drums. I wished many times I had gone with a big front disc brake kit up front and kept my drums in rear. The only benifit to rear disc brakes is looks good with open wheels.

From pricing the axles I would say buying new ones would be the way to go.

[Zeroman]

Check out Rockauto.com

They have a conversion axle kit with axle, bearing, studs, and seal for $99 each. Shipping is extra.

You should have the short axles 31.313".

You will also need the 5 lug drums from a 72.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...le+shaft,10439

You can also find a coupon code for 5% off on the internet.

[KMC3420]

Originally Posted by Zeroman

Check out Rockauto.com

They have a conversion axle kit with axle, bearing, studs, and seal for $99 each. Shipping is extra.

You should have the short axles 31.313".

You will also need the 5 lug drums from a 72.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...le+shaft,10439

You can also find a coupon code for 5% off on the internet.

These axles are too long for the 68 rear end. The shorter axles for a 68 are 30.5” long. Unless I have confused myself, you have the longer 31” axles listed.

I purchased these for my 68 rear end.

Motive Gear Axles

[MDPotter]

I would say it depends on the condition of the axle you have and what your wheel/tire plans are.

The issue with this year of trucks is that the axles are narrow. The rear track is 1.5" narrower than the front. And if you're doing a disc conversion, that increases to a 3" difference. I have a Dana 44 and can't find 5 lug axles for it, so I am going to use wheel adapters/spacers. Wheel Adapters USA makes an adapter/spacer which converts to 5x5. It is 2" thick, so you will probably have to find wheels with a fairly deep backspace. I found a 9.5" wide rear wheel with a 5.7" backspace which should work. The adapters are $115 for the pair.

But if you don't care about the track width issue, it comes down to the condition of your axle in my opinion. If you have a 12 bolt that is in good shape, I would go with the axles from Summit that Jason linked. And by good shape, I mean it is painted, brakes rebuilt, new bearings, seals, and no known issues. You never know the condition of an axle in a junkyard and it will require a lot of work to bring it up to the condition of an axle that you've already put a lot of work into.