Another 5-lug question from a newbee - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1970SWB · 08-07-2008, 12:34 PM

I've also posted this on the FAQ but haven't recieved any responses, and thought it might get answered over here, Thanks,
I've been "lurking" on this board for awhile and finally picked up a '70 SWB (2wd) pickup, & now I have some questions, first I want to convert from 6-lug to 5-lug, I have the front suspension from a '73 pickup, and plan on changing all the A-frames (for the rubber suspension bushings) and of course disc brakes, I also have a complete rear axle from a '72 SWB pickup, should I change the entire rear axle or can I just swap axle shafts? Some posts on here are talking about different length axles for different years? Thanks for any insight on this & I'm sure there will be more questions to come.

Andy4639 · 08-07-2008, 12:40 PM

I know the front will work fine you have to make some holes bigger on the frame for everything to bolt up.
The rear I'm not sure of. Why not put the whole rear end in it? Seems it would be the way to go. Inless the rear you have is in really good shape. You will need to replace all seals,bearings and such, I would swap the whole thing. If you already have it to boot!

sneakysnake · 08-07-2008, 12:51 PM

You can swap the arms or just swap out the the whole front cross member.Some 70's rearends had the same width as the 71-2 and some were narrower, Id swap the complete axle,but you can measure backing plate to backing plate to see.

08-07-2008, 12:34 PM	#1
1970SWB Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Yorktown, In. Posts: 77	Another 5-lug question from a newbee I've also posted this on the FAQ but haven't recieved any responses, and thought it might get answered over here, Thanks, I've been "lurking" on this board for awhile and finally picked up a '70 SWB (2wd) pickup, & now I have some questions, first I want to convert from 6-lug to 5-lug, I have the front suspension from a '73 pickup, and plan on changing all the A-frames (for the rubber suspension bushings) and of course disc brakes, I also have a complete rear axle from a '72 SWB pickup, should I change the entire rear axle or can I just swap axle shafts? Some posts on here are talking about different length axles for different years? Thanks for any insight on this & I'm sure there will be more questions to come.

08-07-2008, 12:40 PM	#2
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Another 5-lug question from a newbee I know the front will work fine you have to make some holes bigger on the frame for everything to bolt up. The rear I'm not sure of. Why not put the whole rear end in it? Seems it would be the way to go. Inless the rear you have is in really good shape. You will need to replace all seals,bearings and such, I would swap the whole thing. If you already have it to boot! __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

08-07-2008, 12:51 PM	#3
sneakysnake It's a catastrophic success. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,077	Re: Another 5-lug question from a newbee You can swap the arms or just swap out the the whole front cross member.Some 70's rearends had the same width as the 71-2 and some were narrower, Id swap the complete axle,but you can measure backing plate to backing plate to see.



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