Going back to 6 lug question. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**leddzepp** · 08-29-2021, 04:16 PM

I know this is bass akwards

Years ago I converted my 68 C10 to front disc brakes, making it 5 lug in the process. I also swapped out the 6 lug rear for a 5 lug to match the front. I have a set of 15x8 six lug steelies that I’m considering running on the truck now. I know I can pick up some 6 lug rotors for the front (easy), but am I able to swap out the 5 lug axles in the rear for 6 lug, or do I have to swap out the whole 5 lug rear end for a 6 lug rear end? The rear end in it now is a 71/72 so I believe the housing is wider than the original 6 lug. Thanks in advance!

**pjmoreland** · 08-29-2021, 04:41 PM

I believe you should be able to put 1970 2wd or 1970-72 4wd axle shafts in your wider housing. I had a 1970 axle housing that had 6-lug axles originally. I installed 1972 5-lug axle shafts in it.

**CC69Rat** · 08-29-2021, 06:42 PM

^^ what he said.

The 70 model trucks could have either axle housing in them and still be 6 lug. GM made the later axle in 6 lug in that transition period.

Measured from the mounting flange (where the wheel sits) to the end of the splines the later ones will be 31 5/16 long. The earlier ones are 30 1/2 using that same measurement. Maybe that will help find some in the parts section or whatever. Good luck with it man.

**uncle** · 08-30-2021, 08:43 AM

Axles from a 4x4 12 bolt 73 up should work also. If you like your gear ratio and axle width now you can buy them new also.

**HO455** · 08-30-2021, 08:59 AM

Or... as the 71/72 is worth more than a early axle you could get one of them and then sell your 71/72 axle and have some cash for new bearings and seals for the early axle.
Food for thought.

jjzepplin · 08-30-2021, 12:12 PM

OR you could simply buy some 5 lug steels and sell your six.

**leddzepp** · 08-30-2021, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjzepplin

OR you could simply buy some 5 lug steels and sell your six.

Wheel Vintique aftermarket 15x8 five lug steelies are on at least a 12 week back order, if not longer.

Thanks for the input everyone!

jjzepplin · 08-30-2021, 04:53 PM

Oh. Now I get it. You have 15x8 6 lug?

**leddzepp** · 08-31-2021, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjzepplin

Oh. Now I get it. You have 15x8 6 lug?

Yes, 15x8 OEM 6 lug steelies

08-29-2021, 04:16 PM	#1
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,036	Going back to 6 lug question. I know this is bass akwards Years ago I converted my 68 C10 to front disc brakes, making it 5 lug in the process. I also swapped out the 6 lug rear for a 5 lug to match the front. I have a set of 15x8 six lug steelies that I’m considering running on the truck now. I know I can pick up some 6 lug rotors for the front (easy), but am I able to swap out the 5 lug axles in the rear for 6 lug, or do I have to swap out the whole 5 lug rear end for a 6 lug rear end? The rear end in it now is a 71/72 so I believe the housing is wider than the original 6 lug. Thanks in advance! __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul

08-29-2021, 04:41 PM	#2
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 6,008	Re: Going back to 6 lug question. I believe you should be able to put 1970 2wd or 1970-72 4wd axle shafts in your wider housing. I had a 1970 axle housing that had 6-lug axles originally. I installed 1972 5-lug axle shafts in it.

08-29-2021, 06:42 PM	#3
CC69Rat Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,214	Re: Going back to 6 lug question. ^^ what he said. The 70 model trucks could have either axle housing in them and still be 6 lug. GM made the later axle in 6 lug in that transition period. Measured from the mounting flange (where the wheel sits) to the end of the splines the later ones will be 31 5/16 long. The earlier ones are 30 1/2 using that same measurement. Maybe that will help find some in the parts section or whatever. Good luck with it man. __________________ Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 Currently underway 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet Sold 1985 Silverado Short Fleet Sold 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)

08-30-2021, 08:43 AM	#4
uncle Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Conyers,Ga. Posts: 7,288	Re: Going back to 6 lug question. Axles from a 4x4 12 bolt 73 up should work also. If you like your gear ratio and axle width now you can buy them new also.

08-30-2021, 08:59 AM	#5
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 11,393	Re: Going back to 6 lug question. Or... as the 71/72 is worth more than a early axle you could get one of them and then sell your 71/72 axle and have some cash for new bearings and seals for the early axle. Food for thought. __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377

08-30-2021, 12:12 PM	#6
jjzepplin Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Ruskin Florida Posts: 4,567	Re: Going back to 6 lug question. OR you could simply buy some 5 lug steels and sell your six. __________________ 70 swb 4x4 406sbc 700r4 203/205 d60/14blt locker yadda yadda http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...88#post6935688 Yeller 72 Blazer 2wd conversion project "No Daggum Money" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=550804 LS1-T56 3.73 LSD super budget build Blanco-2014 Sierra SWB https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=810350

08-30-2021, 04:53 PM	#8
jjzepplin Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Ruskin Florida Posts: 4,567	Re: Going back to 6 lug question. Oh. Now I get it. You have 15x8 6 lug? __________________ 70 swb 4x4 406sbc 700r4 203/205 d60/14blt locker yadda yadda http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...88#post6935688 Yeller 72 Blazer 2wd conversion project "No Daggum Money" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=550804 LS1-T56 3.73 LSD super budget build Blanco-2014 Sierra SWB https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=810350



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