1 hour 5 lug axle conversion

[Webrigs]

OK, I finally verified something that I never did see anyone confirm on this site yet. (Someone probably has, but I haven't been able to find it.) I have seen many people question the best / easiest / cheapest way to convert their 6 lug to a 5 lug and the only responses I have seen are either find a 71/72 rear end or pull their old axles and order new replacements. While either of this are great suggestions depending on budget and availability, I wondered if the mid 69 - 70 (wider) would accept the axles from a 73-87... and last night I got my answer.

It all started with a FREE 75 long bed I originally took for the front suspension, but all along wondered if the axles would fit too.

Here's how it arrived at my house;

[Webrigs]

And how it slid out a day and a half later;

[Webrigs]

Next I pulled the axles from both the 75 & my truck to compare them. Turned out they were the same length, spline count & diameter at the bearing surface. 5 lug axle is shown on the left, 6 on the right. Slid the 5 lugs into my housing along with the drums and I am now rolling 71/72 style on a budget!

[krue]

Yeah the second half of 70 rears will take 71 and up 5 lug axles, I'm gonna do this in the near future (got 5's on front 6's on back right now).

[OLDIRON69]

I did the same thing on the rear of my '69. Easiest swap yet, I'm saving up for my rebuld kit for the front end, so I can do it all at once. You might check when you go to do the front that new rotors are cheaper or damn near than having the old ones turned down. Loaded calipers were cheaper than calipers and pads seperate...don't know which pads they give ya, but not being a DD my truck should only need new front pads every 5 yrs or so..Just a FYI.

[BCOWANWHEELS]

You Should Have Replaced The Wheel Bearings ( A Must , AND USE NAPA CAUZ THERE THE ONLY OEM REPLACEMENT BEARING JUST LIKE THE STOCK ONES ) And Wheel Seals ( Another Must ) Also You Should Have Measured The Length Of The Axle Its Self Minus The Wheel Studs, No Just Standing Them Up Side By Side.
Jmo
Bob

[Webrigs]

When I said that they were the same length it was because I measured from the machined surface on the back side of the flange to the end of the axle. I stood them on end as it made it easier to take a picture to post, and so they didn't roll around / get dirty.