6 to 5 lug rear axle (Weld and redrill)? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ljackson · 06-07-2010, 09:31 AM

Has anyone had a machine shop weld and redrill their axles?

markeb01 · 06-07-2010, 09:47 AM

Here's an earlier thread on the topic:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ight=rear+axle

And here's a tip - when redrilling, one or more of the existing holes need to be plugged. Rather than puddle welding the hole, the guy that did mine sliced up an axle stud keeping only the splined portion. That was pressed into the hole and tacked in place, avoiding excessive welding that could warp the flange.

jason65 · 06-07-2010, 12:54 PM

I used a kit like this to convert mine. http://www.classicperform.com/Store/.../6369RAC-5.htm

Hickup pickup · 06-07-2010, 02:24 PM

I had Key Engineering (tom yancer racecars) do mine, It is necessary to weld at least one, but two is better, holes also I had them turn down the center of the hub to match the 5 lug hub centric diameter leaving a ridge to center the 6 lug drum which was also re drilled but not necessary to weld. He charged me $125.00 for the whole job or $35 each for just the axles

SCOTI · 06-07-2010, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hickup pickup

I had Key Engineering (tom yancer racecars) do mine, It is necessary to weld at least one, but two is better, holes also I had them turn down the center of the hub to match the 5 lug hub centric diameter leaving a ridge to center the 6 lug drum which was also re drilled but not necessary to weld. He charged me $125.00 for the whole job or $35 each for just the axles

That how I had some 6-lug axles/drums done. I wanted the GM car pattern (5x4.75).

tapeworm · 06-07-2010, 11:54 PM

I've heard Moser does a good job as well. There is alot of discussion about this on the HAMB as well

SCOTI · 06-08-2010, 12:19 AM

I did mine back in the late 80's/early 90's. If I did it again today, I'd go aftermarket (moser).

**Captainfab** · 06-08-2010, 01:04 AM

I would guggest first making sure that the wheel bearing surfaces on your axles are in good condition before putting any money into them. Check with your local welding/machine shops to see what they will charge to do the work. Then compare those figures with what a set of aftermarket conversion axles will cost. As Jason posted, CPP sells them as well as ECE and Summit Racing. If your truck is a '63 or '64 you will need to replace the spider gears if you go with the aftermarket axles. That is another cost to factor into the swap.

tapeworm · 06-09-2010, 01:04 AM

[QUOTE=Captainfab;4020130]As Jason posted, CPP sells them as well as ECE and Summit Racing. If your truck is a '63 or '64 you will need to QUOTE]

Good to know that

What spider gears need to be used?

**Captainfab** · 06-09-2010, 01:21 AM

The '63 & '64 rear differentials had 17 spline side spiders. The '65 and up had 30 spline side spiders. The conversion axles are for 30 spline side spiders. CPP and ECE sell replacement side spiders also. You might check with some of the differential parts suppliers, and compare pricing.

[quote=tapeworm;4022007]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captainfab

As Jason posted, CPP sells them as well as ECE and Summit Racing. If your truck is a '63 or '64 you will need to QUOTE]

Good to know that

What spider gears need to be used?

ljackson · 06-09-2010, 07:21 PM

Thanks to all for the info. markeb01, I searched several ways and did not find anything. Thanks for the link. The info provided here is very good. I am going to call my machine shop guy. I'm building a '64 with my son. We are on a pretty tight budget.
Eugene

fryer1979 · 06-09-2010, 09:28 PM

Just bookmarking as my own question was answered in the linked thread. Thanks for the info guys.

06-07-2010, 09:31 AM	#1
ljackson Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Amarillo, Texas Posts: 636	6 to 5 lug rear axle (Weld and redrill)? Has anyone had a machine shop weld and redrill their axles? __________________ Father and son built. Driven daily since 2012. 283, 3 speed. Mostly original. '81 PS and disk front. Fuel tank relocate. Maintenance, repairs and upgrades on his dime now. http://zacks64longfleet.shutterfly.com/ Higher res. photos in my gallery.

06-07-2010, 09:47 AM	#2
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: 6 to 5 lug rear axle (Weld and redrill)? Here's an earlier thread on the topic: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ight=rear+axle And here's a tip - when redrilling, one or more of the existing holes need to be plugged. Rather than puddle welding the hole, the guy that did mine sliced up an axle stud keeping only the splined portion. That was pressed into the hole and tacked in place, avoiding excessive welding that could warp the flange. __________________ My Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444502 Last edited by markeb01; 06-07-2010 at 04:15 PM.

06-07-2010, 12:54 PM	#3
jason65 Registerd User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,118	Re: 6 to 5 lug rear axle (Weld and redrill)? I used a kit like this to convert mine. http://www.classicperform.com/Store/.../6369RAC-5.htm Last edited by jason65; 06-07-2010 at 12:55 PM. Reason: sp

06-07-2010, 02:24 PM	#4
Hickup pickup Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Gilbert , Az Posts: 369	Re: 6 to 5 lug rear axle (Weld and redrill)? I had Key Engineering (tom yancer racecars) do mine, It is necessary to weld at least one, but two is better, holes also I had them turn down the center of the hub to match the 5 lug hub centric diameter leaving a ridge to center the 6 lug drum which was also re drilled but not necessary to weld. He charged me $125.00 for the whole job or $35 each for just the axles __________________ 2-20, 2-21 whatever it takes!

06-07-2010, 11:54 PM	#6
tapeworm fan of "Butters" Stotch Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 267	Re: 6 to 5 lug rear axle (Weld and redrill)? I've heard Moser does a good job as well. There is alot of discussion about this on the HAMB as well __________________ 64 shortbox fleetside replacing rusty junk with more junk, and one day to become a real truck again

06-08-2010, 12:19 AM	#7
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,025	Re: 6 to 5 lug rear axle (Weld and redrill)? I did mine back in the late 80's/early 90's. If I did it again today, I'd go aftermarket (moser). __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

06-08-2010, 01:04 AM	#8
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,250	Re: 6 to 5 lug rear axle (Weld and redrill)? I would guggest first making sure that the wheel bearing surfaces on your axles are in good condition before putting any money into them. Check with your local welding/machine shops to see what they will charge to do the work. Then compare those figures with what a set of aftermarket conversion axles will cost. As Jason posted, CPP sells them as well as ECE and Summit Racing. If your truck is a '63 or '64 you will need to replace the spider gears if you go with the aftermarket axles. That is another cost to factor into the swap. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

06-09-2010, 01:04 AM	#9
tapeworm fan of "Butters" Stotch Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 267	Re: 6 to 5 lug rear axle (Weld and redrill)? [QUOTE=Captainfab;4020130]As Jason posted, CPP sells them as well as ECE and Summit Racing. If your truck is a '63 or '64 you will need to QUOTE] Good to know that What spider gears need to be used? __________________ 64 shortbox fleetside replacing rusty junk with more junk, and one day to become a real truck again

06-09-2010, 07:21 PM	#11
ljackson Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Amarillo, Texas Posts: 636	Re: 6 to 5 lug rear axle (Weld and redrill)? Thanks to all for the info. markeb01, I searched several ways and did not find anything. Thanks for the link. The info provided here is very good. I am going to call my machine shop guy. I'm building a '64 with my son. We are on a pretty tight budget. Eugene __________________ Father and son built. Driven daily since 2012. 283, 3 speed. Mostly original. '81 PS and disk front. Fuel tank relocate. Maintenance, repairs and upgrades on his dime now. http://zacks64longfleet.shutterfly.com/ Higher res. photos in my gallery.

06-09-2010, 09:28 PM	#12
fryer1979 Redneck Hillbilly Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Backwoods Posts: 1,307	Re: 6 to 5 lug rear axle (Weld and redrill)? Just bookmarking as my own question was answered in the linked thread. Thanks for the info guys.



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