Convert 6 lug to 5 lug - which brake drum?

[7791manz]

I have a 69 C10 with a 6 lug 12 bolt and am converting to 5 lug discs in front so want to convert to 5 lug in the rear.

1. Can I have my original axles redrilled or would new Moser Engineering axles be the ticket?

2. What year trucks should I get the brake drums off to fit on the 69 drum brakes once I convert to the 5 lug?

Also, Here is a couple of pics of my new project if I did it right.

Thanks for the help!

[mvfd70]

why not just find a 70-72 five lug rear axle assembly. It'll swap right in.

[fatboys69]

mvfd70 has it right, I just swapped front and rear from a 71 into my 69. The axles were the easiest part of the swap ( I got drums and axles ) the 6 lug backing plate is the same as the 5 lug backing plate so it is a super easy pull the rear cover, remove the bolt and pin, slide axles in and pull out C clips, slide the 5 lugs in and reverse the procedure. ( Don't forget to refill the rearend with gearlube )

[OLDIRON69]

I swapped axles as well. VERY easy. I have not done the front yet, very soon though. You can have your axles redrilled, I swapped axles from a 73 or 74. Just check and make sure the length is the same.

[1970shortbed]

i went through the same thing when i put disc brakes on my truck and i decided to leave it 6 lug because gm has went back to the 6 lug pattern on all the new trucks

only thing is if you leave drum on the back u need to make sure the rims have the big center for the back

i left drum on the back of my truck so i got 6 lug wheels with the big center on all 4 wheels so they can be rotated

if u to go with 5 lug then any of the ideas above will work fine

[mvfd70]

And if you find a rear end in good shape you don't even have to take it apart. Not that it's hard to take out axles. I'm doing a 5 lug disc conversion on my 68. The 72 donor truck had longer rear axles so I'm having to change the housing and everything. Still direct bolt on swap. I'm pretty sure that the 69 axles were the same length as the 70-72 and maybe some of the 73 and up. Like people above said, swap them. Don't mess with re drilling.

[jorgensensc]

I just ordered new axles from moser for my truck. I decided to order axles because it was 300.00 for the kit including bearings and seals. I also wanted 5 x 4 3/4 bolt pattern. Moser drilled both bolt patterns, 5 x 4 3/4 and 5 x 5 for me one the same axle for no charge. I didn't have my six lugs drilled because it was a PITA to find someone to do it. The one shopthat everyone recommended wanted 100.00 per axle. They said they had to bake the axles first to get all the oils out (so they could weld the necesary holes), then let it cool slowly for 3 days, so the steel wouldn't become too hard, then weld and redrill the holes. After all that plus tax and new studs, It was easier to get the moser axles, and my truck wasn't down for a week. JM 2 Cents!
Shawn

[skunkwerx]

i tryed to swap axle on my 67 from a 71,but the 71 axles were longer.so that didnt work.just had my axles redrilled for $100.

[PICKMUP]

CPP sells a set with new axles and new drums.