Can you change rear from 6 lug to 5 lug without buying rear disc brake kit? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

69ChevyRazorback · 04-10-2009, 11:12 AM

I am planning to put disc brakes on the front of my 69 and I would like to go to 5 lug due to more wheel options. How do I change the rear from 6 lug to 5 lug without buying a 700$ rear disc brake kit??? (and this is probably a dumb question but im young and inexperienced when it comes to restorations

)
thanks guys.

69ChevyRazorback · 04-10-2009, 11:14 AM

ok i just found an axle conversion kit for 400 dollars....any other cheaper options?

oldblue1968chevy · 04-10-2009, 11:18 AM

free bump i wana no too think you can swap a whole rearend out but may be rong

69swbman · 04-10-2009, 11:18 AM

ive converted mine to disk/drum on mt 69 just took a rear end out of a 71-71 half ton and bolted it up with brakes u use the front more so the rear drums will last for a long time

weircc · 04-10-2009, 11:18 AM

i don't know if i got lucky or what but i found a mid 70's and the axle swapped right out less than 50 dollars

69ChevyRazorback · 04-10-2009, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weircc

i don't know if i got lucky or what but i found a mid 70's and the axle swapped right out less than 50 dollars

yes i definately need to do something like this. was the width the same as factory??? and was the bolt pattern 5 x 5?

weircc · 04-10-2009, 11:38 AM

yes width was same and was 5x5 but all i changed was axles. however double check cause i know sometimes the brake drums wont go on right if the axle length is different

**Palf70Step** · 04-10-2009, 12:03 PM

On 69 and earlier (actually around mid 1970), the axle is narrower by 3/4" on each side, so an axle swap may not be the best choice. However, a direct bolt in would be a 71/72 rear end assembly. You can also use a 73-87 rear end, but you'll have to move the leaf mounts (if you have a leaf spring rear) or cut off the leaf mounts and but the mouts for the coil spring rear.

BluTrukker · 04-10-2009, 12:04 PM

Moser can redrill your axles and drums for about half that.

69swbman · 04-10-2009, 12:26 PM

thats all did is take the whole rear end assembly and mounted it and correction (71-72 half ton) sorry

oldblue1968chevy · 04-10-2009, 04:50 PM

cool so just any coil spring 71 72 bolts right into a 67-70

**Palf70Step** · 04-10-2009, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldblue1968chevy

cool so just any coil spring 71 72 bolts right into a 67-70

Yep, any 1/2 ton will give you what you want.

72BlckButy · 04-10-2009, 09:06 PM

Just make sure to look at your entire project from start to finish. If you ever plan on running a large dia. set of wheels you might like being able to run more BS on the rears and opt to keep the 67-mid 69 rear end.

daves69 · 08-12-2009, 07:06 PM

I did some machining to my 69 6 lug axles long ago to make them 5 bolt pattern. Now I found out one axle is shot. Anyway, I want to know if anyone has tried to use 5 bolt axles from a mid 70's chevy 1/2 ton with any success. I know one guy on this forum said he did but others disagree. If there is a difference in the axles does anyone know exactly what the differences are? I'd like some advice before I start ripping a bunch a rear ends apart.

mclairmo · 08-12-2009, 07:10 PM

I believe the axles are different. Check out the CPP catalog, they sell a conversion kit that may help explain the difference in axles.

RW71 · 08-12-2009, 07:17 PM

How about 6 lug to 5 lug wheel adapters

Skirkpat · 08-12-2009, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daves69

I did some machining to my 69 6 lug axles long ago to make them 5 bolt pattern. Now I found out one axle is shot. Anyway, I want to know if anyone has tried to use 5 bolt axles from a mid 70's chevy 1/2 ton with any success. I know one guy on this forum said he did but others disagree. If there is a difference in the axles does anyone know exactly what the differences are? I'd like some advice before I start ripping a bunch a rear ends apart.

They may physicaly go in, but I think there is a difference in where the bearings ride, and where the axles are heat treated, you also may have an issue with the shoes not riding in the right place for the drums? I am not the expert, but one here will probably chime in.

daves69 · 08-14-2009, 01:07 PM

Thanks all. I just decided to have a machinist repair the axles. For some reason the farmer before me or before him ground down the ends. There was too much play in and out as a result. I had to have them built back up again and ground smooth.

04-10-2009, 11:12 AM	#1
69ChevyRazorback Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Searcy, AR Posts: 92	Can you change rear from 6 lug to 5 lug without buying rear disc brake kit? I am planning to put disc brakes on the front of my 69 and I would like to go to 5 lug due to more wheel options. How do I change the rear from 6 lug to 5 lug without buying a 700$ rear disc brake kit??? (and this is probably a dumb question but im young and inexperienced when it comes to restorations ) thanks guys.

04-10-2009, 11:14 AM	#2
69ChevyRazorback Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Searcy, AR Posts: 92	Re: Can you change rear from 6 lug to 5 lug without buying rear disc brake kit? ok i just found an axle conversion kit for 400 dollars....any other cheaper options?

04-10-2009, 11:18 AM	#3
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: Can you change rear from 6 lug to 5 lug without buying rear disc brake kit? free bump i wana no too think you can swap a whole rearend out but may be rong __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

04-10-2009, 11:18 AM	#4
69swbman Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: peaster,tx Posts: 59	Re: Can you change rear from 6 lug to 5 lug without buying rear disc brake kit? ive converted mine to disk/drum on mt 69 just took a rear end out of a 71-71 half ton and bolted it up with brakes u use the front more so the rear drums will last for a long time

04-10-2009, 11:18 AM	#5
weircc Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: richmond, MO Posts: 794	Re: Can you change rear from 6 lug to 5 lug without buying rear disc brake kit? i don't know if i got lucky or what but i found a mid 70's and the axle swapped right out less than 50 dollars

04-10-2009, 11:38 AM	#7
weircc Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: richmond, MO Posts: 794	Re: Can you change rear from 6 lug to 5 lug without buying rear disc brake kit? yes width was same and was 5x5 but all i changed was axles. however double check cause i know sometimes the brake drums wont go on right if the axle length is different

04-10-2009, 12:03 PM	#8
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,322	Re: Can you change rear from 6 lug to 5 lug without buying rear disc brake kit? On 69 and earlier (actually around mid 1970), the axle is narrower by 3/4" on each side, so an axle swap may not be the best choice. However, a direct bolt in would be a 71/72 rear end assembly. You can also use a 73-87 rear end, but you'll have to move the leaf mounts (if you have a leaf spring rear) or cut off the leaf mounts and but the mouts for the coil spring rear. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God! Last edited by Palf70Step; 04-10-2009 at 12:05 PM.

04-10-2009, 12:04 PM	#9
BluTrukker BOHICA Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Stewartville, MN Posts: 440	Re: Can you change rear from 6 lug to 5 lug without buying rear disc brake kit? Moser can redrill your axles and drums for about half that. __________________ Trying to save someone from their own stupidity is like teaching a pig to dance. It is a waste of your time, and it annoys the pig!

04-10-2009, 12:26 PM	#10
69swbman Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: peaster,tx Posts: 59	Re: Can you change rear from 6 lug to 5 lug without buying rear disc brake kit? thats all did is take the whole rear end assembly and mounted it and correction (71-72 half ton) sorry

04-10-2009, 04:50 PM	#11
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: Can you change rear from 6 lug to 5 lug without buying rear disc brake kit? cool so just any coil spring 71 72 bolts right into a 67-70 __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

04-10-2009, 09:06 PM	#13
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Can you change rear from 6 lug to 5 lug without buying rear disc brake kit? Just make sure to look at your entire project from start to finish. If you ever plan on running a large dia. set of wheels you might like being able to run more BS on the rears and opt to keep the 67-mid 69 rear end. __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

08-12-2009, 07:06 PM	#14
daves69 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Norwich NY Posts: 33	Re: Can you change rear from 6 lug to 5 lug without buying rear disc brake kit? I did some machining to my 69 6 lug axles long ago to make them 5 bolt pattern. Now I found out one axle is shot. Anyway, I want to know if anyone has tried to use 5 bolt axles from a mid 70's chevy 1/2 ton with any success. I know one guy on this forum said he did but others disagree. If there is a difference in the axles does anyone know exactly what the differences are? I'd like some advice before I start ripping a bunch a rear ends apart. __________________ 81 Blazer 69 C-10

08-12-2009, 07:10 PM	#15
mclairmo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Take Off Posts: 1,908	Re: Can you change rear from 6 lug to 5 lug without buying rear disc brake kit? I believe the axles are different. Check out the CPP catalog, they sell a conversion kit that may help explain the difference in axles.

08-12-2009, 07:17 PM	#16
RW71 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Springfield, Oregon Posts: 84	Re: Can you change rear from 6 lug to 5 lug without buying rear disc brake kit? How about 6 lug to 5 lug wheel adapters

08-14-2009, 01:07 PM	#18
daves69 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Norwich NY Posts: 33	Re: Can you change rear from 6 lug to 5 lug without buying rear disc brake kit? Thanks all. I just decided to have a machinist repair the axles. For some reason the farmer before me or before him ground down the ends. There was too much play in and out as a result. I had to have them built back up again and ground smooth. __________________ 81 Blazer 69 C-10



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