need info on 5 lug conversion 66 rear end

[wrench_65]

have a 65 c20 found a 66 1/2 ton rear end but want to convert over to a 5 lug. have seen the axles from early classics but want more options.


thanks...

[shrunken66stroker]

I replaced mine with Superior Axle and Gear axles. They're a direct fit from Summit. Not cheap if I remember right. I think they were 130 a piece and then I bought and pressed in some new studs. Maybe someone else can weigh in with a cheaper option.

[chris91]

I did like alot of the others. I found a '72 and swapped the rear end.

[wrench_65]

Does the 72 bolt Right up? Have coil spring reAr end..

[fleetsidelarry]

'71 and '72 are trailing arm, coil springs just like ours, but with 5 lugs (5x5) (mine is a '66 with '71 front and rear). bolts in but is a total of 1.5 inches wider.

Larry

[rookierodbuilder]

performance online has full conversion kits with new drums. Might want to check them out.

[Captainfab]

Another option is plugging and redrilling your existing axles. This probably wouldn't be much less $$ than buying new axles unless you could do all the work yourself. Just be sure your wheel bearing surfaces are good on the axles before you decide to plug and redrill.

[wrench_65]

the 71-72 rear end since it 1.5" longer is there a problem when lowering the rear say 4 to 5 inches as far as rubbing issues??/ gonna be running 15" supremes on 205 70 15

[Tx Firefighter]

I'm running a 72 model rearend in my junk with 8 inch wide wheels and 275/60 tires, all lowered 5 inches. No rubbing at all.

[CWT]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Another option is plugging and redrilling your existing axles. This probably wouldn't be much less $$ than buying new axles unless you could do all the work yourself. Just be sure your wheel bearing surfaces are good on the axles before you decide to plug and redrill.

Thats what I did. I got a guy here in town weld and drill mine and he turned the center to fit my Impala rotors for $50. And yes be sure to check the bearing surface I ran in to that I got to his shop and looked and mine was wore. Glad I had a parts truck or 3. lol

[fleetsidelarry]

Originally Posted by wrench_65

the 71-72 rear end since it 1.5" longer is there a problem when lowering the rear say 4 to 5 inches as far as rubbing issues??/ gonna be running 15" supremes on 205 70 15

Like Tx Firefighter, I'm running 8' in wide rims and 275/60/15. I'm only dropped 3''. I don't think the amount of drop matters as much as the backspacing/width relationship on the rims; my old cragers have only 2'' of backspacing, giving 6" of rim past the mounting face. That gets close. I also ran 10" rims (swapmeet specials, got a real deal) that had 3.5" backspacing and the tires rubbed, but again, that was due to the amount of rim beyond the mounting face. I think a standard 8" ralley wheel also has 3.5" backspacing BUT would work fine since there's only 4.5 out. BTW, there's a lot of room to play on the backside, I could easily have run 10" rims with proper backspacing. If you don't already have your wheels, you can pick and choose.

Larry