C10 Axles

[hdixon]

Can anyone help me is it possible to exchange axles from 6 lug axle to 5 lug axles. I want to put a posi traction rear in my C10 and found a rear end with posi but it has 6 lugs and my rear is 5 lugs thought I could just exchange the axles any reply would be great

Thanks,

[GR8-68]

Originally Posted by hdixon

Can anyone help me is it possible to exchange axles from 6 lug axle to 5 lug axles. I want to put a posi traction rear in my C10 and found a rear end with posi but it has 6 lugs and my rear is 5 lugs thought I could just exchange the axles any reply would be great

Thanks,

Well it gts a little bit confusing but it depends on what rear they are and what year they came from, the earlier 12 bolt axles were shorter up through 70 but not all of 70, somewhere in 70 they switched to the longer housing which in turn needed longer axles. So what year axle housings do you have ?

[GASoline71]

Yep... You either need to use the 6-lug axles and have them redrilled for 5-lug. Or buy aftermarket 5-lug conversion axles.

I have a 1969 C10 rear end that I installed Moser 5-lug conversion axles into it.

If you put stock 1971-1972 5 lug axles in a 1970 and earlier housing they will be too long and the bearings won't ride correctly on the race surfaces of the axle. Not to mention your rear drums won't line up either. So you need the shorter 5 lug conversion axles.

Gary

[hdixon]

thanks,
it may be cheaper to have them redrilled than buying a new set of wheels

[GR8-68]

Originally Posted by hdixon

thanks,
it may be cheaper to have them redrilled than buying a new set of wheels

Maybe, but for the price of some 5 lug conversion axles it is not really worth it. I bought both of my axles for less than 200.00 sometimes it can be challenging to find someone who can do it or if they can they do not have time or it is a long wait. But, yes it can be done

[GR8-68]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005TDQ9OY/ref=cfb_at_prodpg

If you have a prime account you get free shipping therefore it is 161.40 for two

[GASoline71]

That's a really good deal. I paid about $240 with free shipping from Slummit Racing.
Gary

[Mike C]

There are two different lengths of the 6 lug housings, the earlier one is narrower than 71-72, but the 70 (at least some of them...) the 6 lug housing is same width so can use 71-72 axles.

[hdixon]

for what the rear end and the axles will cost maybe it's best to just buy a posi unit and

[GR8-68]

Originally Posted by hdixon

for what the rear end and the axles will cost maybe it's best to just buy a posi unit and

I took my 69 axle and stripped it sand blasted and por painted it. So, with the new axles and the posi kit which included ring and pinion and all new bearings except outer axle bearings and seals, I had a local mechanic set up the gears for me and put in new axle bearings and seals my total cost was right at 1100.00 but I have a new 12 bolt rear

[GASoline71]

I got mine all set up for just under a grand and I did the exact same thing as GR8-68. A new posi-traction unit will run you about 400 bucks.

Gary