6 bolt to a 5 bolt

[phatguy]

Hello,newby here,posted this first in the wrong spot,sorry about that.I have a 66 short fleet,Looking to change it from a 6 bolt to a 5 bolt.Gonna put a 73-87 front subframe into it.3"drop spindles on the front and 3-4 on the rear.Do any members know what 5 bolt axle(used hopefully) will fit directly into the 66 rear end assm.I don't want to change the complete rear axle assm.Or is there a template available to drill it to a 5 bolt wheel.

[Tx Firefighter]

There are no factory axle options to plug into your current rearend. When GM went to 5 lug starting in 71, the rearends were wider overall by 1.5 inches than yours. The 5 lug shafts would be too long.

Your options are to machine your current axle shafts or buy a pair of new aftermarket axle shafts. There are several aftermarket companies out there that sell a drop-in replacement shaft in the 5x5 bolt pattern you desire.

[Wildman65]

Originally Posted by phatguy

Hello,newby here,posted this first in the wrong spot,sorry about that.I have a 66 short fleet,Looking to change it from a 6 bolt to a 5 bolt.Gonna put a 73-87 front subframe into it.3"drop spindles on the front and 3-4 on the rear.Do any members know what 5 bolt axle(used hopefully) will fit directly into the 66 rear end assm.I don't want to change the complete rear axle assm.Or is there a template available to drill it to a 5 bolt wheel.

I went with the 5 lug axles from CPP. I believe I bought then through Speedway. I think that's what it was called. Worked like a charm.

[kieth]

It takes a machinist with equipment to weld up the old 6 lug holes and then redrill the 5 x 5 lug pattern, went to a local cruise night in Sapulpa, Oklahoma last night.
There was a gentleman who has a machine shop who is a hot rodder also. He only charges $5.00 per hole ($25.00 per axle shaft) owner provides the new studs........That is inexpensive........ he would have to also turn down the center of the axle hub for a smaller diameter 5 lug (1972 brake drum) $10.00 per side, so cost would be $70.00 plus axle studs and brake drums.......that is not too bad. Somebody find a inexpensive freight source and everyone on the board who wants to convert to 5 lug could do it inexpensively.

His name is:
Richard Johnson
Plastic Design, Inc.
6809 S 124th W Ave
Sapulpa, Ok 74066
918-224-9187

it will of course be less expensive to find someone locally to do the work.....Kieth

pictures of my axles after modifications:
http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-GMC/i-8bbRfcq/A

[Wildman65]

This is what I got.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1965-66-67-6...f22b38&vxp=mtr

[donthekawguy]

Originally Posted by Wildman65

This is what I got.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1965-66-67-6...f22b38&vxp=mtr

Dang thats a good deal!

[Frizzle Fry]

Or swap a complete 71-72 1/2ton coil spring rear in.