I'm search challenged

[McCoyAZ]

I know I have seen several posts about swapping out the rear axels to 5 lug wheels and just can't seem to locate them.

Would some kind hearted soul please lead me to them?

Thanks in advance.

[jonzcustomshop]

not sure on a post, but speedway motors sells a kit to do the swap-63-66

[McCoyAZ]

Geeez at $499 and the time and trouble to do the conversion wouldn't it be cheaper to just replace the whole rear end?

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by McCoyAZ

Geeez at $499 and the time and trouble to do the conversion wouldn't it be cheaper to just replace the whole rear end?

Yes, maybe.
Moser Engineering, and Early Classic Enterprises also sells axles.

[Captainfab]

Summit racing offers an inexpensive conversion axle. In addition to the suppliers lolife99 mentioned, drivetrain specialties is another source.

If your differential is a '63 or '64 model of the truck 12 bolt, you will also need the 30 spline conversion side spiders. That does drive the cost up.

Also if you are searching for something and can't seem to find it, check out the 60-66 FAQ index at the top of the main 60-66 page. There's links to lots of good info in there.

[70cst]

Hope this helps ...

6 lug to 5 lug rear axle swap

http://http://67-72chevytrucks.com/v...d.php?t=456299


5 lug rear axle conversion (66)


http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=399080


what did i do wrong? 63 c10 axle swap with 71 not working out

http://http://67-72chevytrucks.com/v...d.php?t=530971

Rear end question

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=527204

[McCoyAZ]

One quick question before I research all the information you all have given me.


A friend of mine owns a machine shop here.

Is there any reason I just can't take the existing axel to him and have the new bolt pattern set into these axels?

Do I really have to change everything?

[Captainfab]

Yes that can be done. But before you do, closely check the wheel bearing surface of the axles to see if they are worn. If they are work very much, they should probably be replaced anyway. Also you will want to weigh the cost of the old axle machine work versus what a set of conversion axles will cost.

Originally Posted by McCoyAZ

One quick question before I research all the information you all have given me.


A friend of mine owns a machine shop here.

Is there any reason I just can't take the existing axel to him and have the new bolt pattern set into these axels?

Do I really have to change everything?

[McCoyAZ]

I went to the salvage yard today to pick up some odds and ends and asked the kid that owns the place about rear ends that are a direct bolt up to the 64.

He says the 71 was the 1st year with rear disc brakes and it was a direct bolt up and the same size as the old rear end in the 64.

I seem to recall that it is 1.2 inches wider than the original? Or am I confused from reading too many posts about swapping too many parts?

Is there a rear end with 5 lugs and disc brakes that is a direct bolt up to the 64 that has the trailing arms?

[tincan1966]

I think your salvage yard guy was mistaken. 1971 first year for front disc brakes i.e. 5 lug. As far as axle width- I am not certain.

[Captainfab]

The late 1970 to '82 truck 12 bolts were 1.5" wider than the earlier truck 12 bolts. I have not seen any truck rear ends with factory disc brakes until the '90's sometime. Your '64 has the longer panhard bar. The '65-'72 panhard bar will work, but it will need a slight bend to line up with the frame bracket on your '64 frame.

There are a couple rear ends that have disc brakes that are close to the original width, but they will need the trailing arm mounts and a panhard bar mount welded on. The '94-'96 Impala SS and Caprice 9C1 rear end is one that will work. However they are not as strong as the truck 12 bolt. You can always add disc brakes to the 12 bolt.

[Oldgearz]

Hey McCoy, I have a 70 Chevelle rear end complete ready to go if you're interested. 2.73 gears w/5x4.75 bolt pattern. I believe it's about 1/2" wider than our stock axles. You would have to do some machining to get the old mounts off and weld yours on. PM me if you're interested.