6 lug to 5 lug

[Jbm1956]

Im building my 56 Chevy pickup and I have a 12 bolt rearend with 5 lug and have the lowered axle with 6 lug still in the front. Can I change the front over to 5 lug without going to disc brakes or is discs my only options?? I think if I go with the discs up front ill have to buy the disc brake kit and then buy the power booster and master cylinder right? If thats the case I would rather spend the money somewhere else for now. Thanks guys

[yossarian19]

You may have to look around a little more but you can find five-lug disc kits that don't come with the master / booster combo. Try Speedway Motors, I think they had something for $250.
6x5 1/2 is a *lot* cooler than 5x 4 3/4. 5x5 ain't bad though.
(I really don't know why I have actual feelings about bolt patterns)

[Jbm1956]

If I do the disc brake kit dont I have to run a new booster and master

[DaveCt]

Originally Posted by Jbm1956

If I do the disc brake kit dont I have to run a new booster and master

I dont think so, but you'll need a proportioning valve though.

[Rude Dude]

If you want five lug drum in front 49-54 chevy car hubs/drums fit on 55-59 trucks.

[yossarian19]

Originally Posted by Jbm1956

If I do the disc brake kit dont I have to run a new booster and master

You don't have to run a booster. I don't know if you *have* to run a new master, but I know that you darned well *should* whether you run drums or discs.
Single pot master cylinders with single circuit distribution are one of those things that really needed upgrade. A lot of the rest that we've done with cars in the last 50-odd years, I can take or leave. Brake hydraulic re-design, we've done good.

[nvrdone]

Ive got 49 - 54 drums on the front on my '49 with a dropped straight axle. I also changed over to roller bearings instead of ball bearings. I have part #'s if you need them.
I also added a CCP m/c & booster kit under the floor. Stops much better than stock.
Now when I have more $$ I may change to front discs

[mgchevyparts]

Originally Posted by Rude Dude

If you want five lug drum in front 49-54 chevy car hubs/drums fit on 55-59 trucks.

Absolutely correct

[nvrdone]

I agree with changing to a new m/c. I had the old single circuit brakes and broke a brake line.
My seat still has the butt pucker marks and brown stains.

[butchp]

Originally Posted by mgchevyparts

Absolutely correct

And you get the better bearing, I have a set.

[mgchevyparts]

Originally Posted by butchp

And you get the better bearing, I have a set.

47-54 cars and the47-59 1/2 ton trucks use the same bearings, B01 and B52 ball bearings. The better bearing is the tapered equivalents that are available to change to a roller bearing.
The 5 on 4.75" car hubs do interchange with the trucks.

[Russell Ashley]

Get the disk brake kit, you'll be glad you did. That was one of the best upgrades I made to my truck. I added the power booster too but some folks on this forum have put disks without a booster. I wouldn't spend money on swapping to five lug drums only to swap to disks later.

[1project2many]

Are you talking about a truck 12 bolt or car axle? The 65+ fullsize Chevy (Impala, Biscayne) use the same 5 X 5 bolt pattern as 2wd trucks while the older fillsize cars (but not wagons) use the same smaller 5 X 4.75 pattern as Chevelles, Novas, etc. "Back in the day" folks would swap to the front brakes from the late '60s Impala to get the big five pattern and 11 X 2.75" brakes vs 11 X 2" that are stock.