the old 6 to 5 lug conversion question

[69 air cab]

I have a 69 c10..........to change to the 5 lug can I just put a 72 rearend under my truck? If so what else has to change? Are they the same width?
thanks

[Aarons72s]

It is wider by 1 1/2" but will still bolt right in. Or you can keep your existing axle housing and get 71-81 truck axles out of a junk yard 12 bolt and grab a set of 11-5/32" by 2-3/4" brake drums for or off of a 74-87 truck. And just leave your stock brakes intact. Hope this helps.

[70GMCer]

Originally Posted by Aarons72s

It is wider by 1 1/2" but will still bolt right in. Or you can keep your existing axle housing and get 71-81 truck axles out of a junk yard 12 bolt and grab a set of 11-5/32" by 2-3/4" brake drums for or off of a 74-87 truck. And just leave your stock brakes intact. Hope this helps.

But wouldn't the axle bearings on the longer axles be 3/4" off the axle races on each side?? I thought I read that on here some time ago....

[Aarons72s]

Its close. I did that type install on a 67 axle I have under my orange and white right now.There is about 1/4" ton 1/8" still left with this install, well at least on mine. Jim PA has already done this and has been driving his.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=215095

[70GMCer]

that's good info to know Aaron......