6 lug to 5 lug help please

[Tycoon4u]

It looks like my rear end measures 57 1/2". Another post I read said that 71 axles will interchange. My truck is a 68 and it shouldn't have the wider rear in it. Does anybody have a set of 71 to 82 axles laying around to measure the length on. Mine are 31' long. If mine are truly the wide ones I can buy 71 axles instead of redrilling.

[farmtruckIII]

The swap really is simple, the 71-72 axles will slip right in. On my 70 step side I used axles from a 72 van. The rears are the same width on all trucks 63-87, I also just put a 10 bolt with 2.73 gears from an 87 into a 72 GMC.

[Fastfun]

I have a set of good axles from my 72, I installed a posi unit and new axles and the stock ones were in great shape. I would be willing to sell them for $80.00 plus the freight. I am a board member and have paid my $25.00 to post ads. Please PM me if you are interested.

[Jim_PA]

Originally Posted by farmtruckIII

The swap really is simple, the 71-72 axles will slip right in. On my 70 step side I used axles from a 72 van. The rears are the same width on all trucks 63-87, I also just put a 10 bolt with 2.73 gears from an 87 into a 72 GMC.

The rears are not the same width. late 1970+ rears are wider.

[raggedjim]

Jim PA is right, the axles from a 71-72 are longer than the 67-70 (late 70 has the same length but since you have a 68 it doesn't matter)

People have used the longer axles in the older housings, but I think it is a bad idea, the wheel bearing will ride on the wrong area of the axle.

I have always changed the whole rear end, it will bolt right in.

Good luck, Rg