5 lug axle swap - difficulty? any online how-tos?

[Beatcoaster]

I have a 69 C10 and looking at either CPP or ECE's 5 lug axle swap kits(since I am adding disc brakes to the front anyway) and wondering if it is that tough to do. I have never done any work on a 12 bolt and am unfamiliar with differentials as a whole, but quite mechanically inclined. Just wondering if this is as simple as popping off the wheels/brakes, removing the rear end cover, take off a few clips, slide out the old axles and slide in the new with new bearings? Or is it something that will need special tools and be quite involved (aka just stick with the stock 6lugs)...Is there any "how-to" online for this?

[timski69gmc]

This is my project for next winter as well.
Seems pretty straight forward, but I haven't dug around in the dif, except for chaning oil.

[grassman92]

Great topic I am wanting to do the same

[custom70]

Yes it is pretty easy all you have to do is remove the tire and brake drum, remove the differential cover(drain fluid). On the differential there is a bolt in the middle with I think a 5/16 or so head you have to remove so you can pull the pin out.(sorry no pictures) Then all you have to do is push the axle inward and remove the c clip from the end of the axle in the differential. Pull out the axle and replace the seal and maybe the bearing in the end of the housing. Install the new axle in the reverse order. Install new fluid and add "posi" additive if you have a positive traction type rearend.

[cdowns]

easyest how to is a factory service manual

[leddzepp]

Easy job. The c clips will just fall out when you push the axles in. Be careful of the spider gears, they fall out pretty easy too.

[Beatcoaster]

Thanks for the replies all. For now I am sticking with 6 lug as the budget is tight, but when it comes time to buy those Intro's and go five lug, this doesn't sounds scary at all!