Will it work or not?(axle swap)

[SHORTBED HARDHEAD]

I HAVE A 69 CHEYENNE SHORTBED AND THE FRONT HAS BEEN CONVERTED OVER TO 5-LUG, BUT THE BACK HAS NOT. I HAVE THE 5-LUG AXLES FOR THE BACK, AND I HAVE A COMPLETE REAR END OFF A 70 GMC. MY QUESTION IS THIS....CAN I SIMPLY PULL THE SIX LUG AXLES OUT OF MY REAR END AND REPLACE WITH THE 5-LUG AXLES? I MEASURE THE 69 REAR END VERSES THE 70, AND THE 69 IS ABOUT 3/4 OF AN INCH SHORTER ON EACH SIDE. WILL THIS MATTER OR DO I NEED TO PUT THE 5-LUG AXLES IN THE 70 REAR END SINCE IT MEASURES THE SAME AS THE 71-72 REAR ENDS. ANY HELP ON THIS WOULD BE VERY APPRECIATED. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I HAVE TO GO WITH THE 70 HOUSING AND DO THE COMPLETE REAR END SWAP AFTER I PUT THE 5-LUG AXLES INTO THE 70 REAR END, BUT IT SURE WOULD BE NICE IF I COULD JUST SWAP OUT THE AXLES IN MY 69. PLEASE HELP!!!

SHORTBED HARDHEAD:

[vin63]

I doubt it will work if the rearend housings are different lengths. It's relatively inexpensive these days to have new axles cut and have the flange drilled for the 5-lug pattern you want. Check around with your local axle and rearend shops. Good luck.

[el curioso]

I did this same thing to mine.. i made some spacers that are 3/4" and placed them in between the axle flange and the drum backing plate... I personally havn't had any problems... if you need pics let me know and ill look for some...

[JW76]

I am trying to do the same swap as shortbed hardhead (the longer 70 axles into the shorter 69 housing) Could you post some pictures of the spacers that you made? Thanks

[el curioso]

ill post them asap.

[JW76]

Thanks. Also, what are you running for horsepower and torque? Just trying to get an idea of what this this axle, spacer combination can handle from your experience.

could you just buy new 5 lug axles for the 69 rear end that are the correct length? i'm in this same situation right now and would like to know what my options are too.

[gringoloco]

ECE and CPP both sell 5-lug axles for the early rears.

You can also make the late axles work in the early housing by using a backing plate spacer or the HD brakes wider drum. This all hinges on how your particular axles are cut, as there may not be a good sealing surface to mate with the outer seals. You should also consider the effect of leverage, as the axles are now sticking out of the housing an additional 3/4". While it may seem minor, you never know what stress it may cause on the axles- remember, the weight of the truck is riding on those outer bearings...

To the OP- I would use the wide '70 housing with the 5-lug axles as a best case scenario- instead of trying to adapt. JMHO

[SCOTI]

I hope you don't mind bit I took the liberty of editing this important point that was overlooked in the originals tatement . . ....

Originally Posted by gringoloco

....You can also make the late axles work in the early housing by using a backing plate spacer or the HD brakes wider drum. This all hinges on how your particular axles are cut, as there may not be a good sealing surface to mate with the outer seals. You should also consider the effect of leverage, as the axles are now sticking out of the housing an additional 3/4". While it may seem minor, you never know what stress it may cause on the 39yr old axles- remember, the weight of the truck is riding on those outer bearings...

New replacement axles are typically 30% stronger that those original axles. That & they're . . ......... new .