My thoughts on Axles, and questions

[Bus Ted Knuckle]

We all see the posts here about using stock 5 lug axles in 67-69 rear axle housings and the advice is usually "no problem use the 71 up axles in your housing and use wider brake drums". My question is: wouldn't that move the bearing surface on the new axle out too far? There is only so much polished surface for the axle to ride on, and aren't 71-72 brake drums the same part number as 73-81 or so brake drums?

Has anyone actually used 71-72 axles in a 67-69 rear housing and fixed the length problem by using wider drums?

I am not saying it is not possible, I'm just saying I can't get my mind around how you can do it (and that happens alot by the way )

[sneakysnake]

They are only about 3/4 of an in longer and the axle surface has a wide area for the bearing to ride on. The 73 up have a wider drum that offsets the differance it just doesnt use all the drum surface.

[Bus Ted Knuckle]

sneakysnake, good points. Have you done it before?

Anybody out there that has actually done it?

[kwmech]

The early housing is not wide enough for the bearing and seal surface needed. Why not purchase the conversion axles?

[Bus Ted Knuckle]

Oh, I don't need to do this, I always swap the whole axle assembly. I just have questions about if this can be done or not because I see this advice given out all the time here. I am like you, I really think there is a better way to get 5 lugs on the rear.

[Mrrilla]

I have a late 70 model wide rear axle and I am trying to figure out if I can use 73-81 axles and drums. I know I probably have to change the brake pads to the 2 3/4" but does it move your wheel surface out further?

I have not seen a clear post on using 73-81 axles in either early or late model axle housings and what the drums will have an affect on.

Hopefully someone will help

[Bus Ted Knuckle]

Mrrillia, some 70's did in fact have the correct width housing to use 71-72 axles. Measure yours from backing plate to backing plate and post back with the width. You may be able to just swap the axles. If you have the older narrower housing either find a 71-72 housing, or you can make a 73-87 housing work by fabbing up the trailing arm mount.

[kaycee]

I have done it and it has NOT been a problem for me I have about 1k miles on it to date.I made a 3/4" spacer plate for both sides and ran the wider drums so it has moved the bearing in 3/4" on the axle and there is still about 1/2" of the machined surface left on axle no problem.I am not hauling any loads or plan on pulling a trailer so I see no problem in doing it.I am living on the edge so keep me in your prayers

[Bus Ted Knuckle]

Thats cool kaycee, I was just wanting to know if anyone has actually made the swap that way.

What year drums did you use?

[Longhorn Man]

it's been done quite a few times on here ted.. but i totally 100% agree with you.
I've done some crazy/stupid things... but I wouldn't do that.

[kaycee]

I used some off a 74 1/2 ton ,I knew some body would have to disagree

[sneakysnake]

Yes, Ive put 71 axels in a 69 housing. I did not use late late drums so there is a brake shoe wear issue. I plan on going with rear disk.