The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > 47 - Current classic GM Trucks > The 1960 - 1966 Chevrolet & GMC Pickups Message Board

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 03-30-2011, 03:29 PM   #1
unclemnstr1965
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: lindsay, ca
Posts: 2
6 lug to 5 lug rear axle swap

can i put 1971 5 lug rear axles in to my 1965 chevy c-10? i see on napaonline.com they have an axle set with bearings and seals for $174.00. all the conversion kits i've seen are for 1963-1970. 1963-64 need an axle gear set as well. if the conversion works for a 1970, then why can't you just put a 1971 axles in to a 1965 rearend? any advice?

Last edited by unclemnstr1965; 03-30-2011 at 03:43 PM. Reason: entered wrong year
unclemnstr1965 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-30-2011, 03:43 PM   #2
shortbed70
Registered User
 
shortbed70's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Forney TX
Posts: 4,512
Re: 6 lug to 5 lug rear axle swap

I was wondering this a while back and if memory serves me correctly(don't quote me) #1 the reason they say you need side gears is because early models ran 17 spline spider gears and #2 I believe the 71-2 axles (5lug) are wider than the 64-5-6 model rears. I know also 68-69 gmc axles are wider than 64-5-6. You might check on the "70" 5 lug axles I didn't know they had them that year.
Posted via Mobile Device
__________________
Troy

1965 Chevy Bagged,361 sbc,voodoo cam,1.5 full roller rockers,patriot 185cc vortec heads 2.02-1.60,vortec weiand polished intake,demon carb

my truckhttp://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=332884

Big Red Dog build
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=572274
shortbed70 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-30-2011, 03:55 PM   #3
unclemnstr1965
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: lindsay, ca
Posts: 2
Re: 6 lug to 5 lug rear axle swap

you're probably right... i thought 5 lug came out in 1967 for some reason. guess because of the body change. thanks.
unclemnstr1965 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-30-2011, 04:13 PM   #4
Str8axle
Registered User
 
Str8axle's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: South Jersey
Posts: 234
Re: 6 lug to 5 lug rear axle swap

5 lug started in '71 as far as I know.
Str8axle is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-30-2011, 04:43 PM   #5
Slow Build
Registered User
 
Slow Build's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: California Delta
Posts: 2,163
Re: 6 lug to 5 lug rear axle swap

CPP has them.
1960-64 Complete 5-lug Rear Axle Conversion, 30-3/4", kit::
http://www.classicperform.com/Store/...k/6364RACK.htm
1965-69 Complete 5-lug Rear Axle Conversion, 30-3/4",kit:
http://www.classicperform.com/Store/...k/6569RACK.htm
__________________
Name: Rich
Current Ride: 1964 C-10 Short Fleetside
Daily Driver: 2005 GMC crew cab short fleetside /2001 Chevy Tahoe
Past GM Trucks:
1959 GMC short stepside
1968 GMC short stepside-4x4
1973 Chevy short stepside
1989 Chevy short fleetside-reg cab
1993 Chevy short fleetside-Xcab
2002 Chevy short fleetside-Xcab

Save the dinosaurs, use synthetic oil.
Slow Build is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-30-2011, 10:25 PM   #6
70cst
Senior Member
 
70cst's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: New Madison, Ohio
Posts: 21,337
Re: 6 lug to 5 lug rear axle swap

Quote:
Originally Posted by Str8axle View Post
5 lug started in '71 as far as I know.
You are correct
__________________
A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy.

67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk.

1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc

JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE"


Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!
70cst is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-30-2011, 06:39 PM   #7
biohazardbill
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Forsyth, Ga
Posts: 1,012
Re: 6 lug to 5 lug rear axle swap

I plan on using the following axle shafts on my 65 rear end and then getting 71-72 drums

Clicky

Last edited by biohazardbill; 03-30-2011 at 06:39 PM.
biohazardbill is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-30-2011, 09:35 PM   #8
flips72
Registered User
 
flips72's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: oldfort tn
Posts: 1,183
Re: 6 lug to 5 lug rear axle swap

i just had my original 65 axles redrilled to 5 lug,drums too, just cost 80 bucks for it all. poor mans way out .
flips72 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-31-2011, 12:28 AM   #9
scrapmetalart
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: DAYTON
Posts: 505
Re: 6 lug to 5 lug rear axle swap

71 axles are longer than your 65 I do believe

I had my 67 axles redrilled & the center turned down for $50. using 71 & up 5 lug drums
__________________
frontstreetcycle on Instagram

Last edited by scrapmetalart; 03-31-2011 at 12:30 AM.
scrapmetalart is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-31-2011, 12:50 AM   #10
Slow Build
Registered User
 
Slow Build's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: California Delta
Posts: 2,163
Re: 6 lug to 5 lug rear axle swap

I'm guessing the 70 went to a 3/4" longer axles but kept the 6 lug. In 71 they went to 5 lug with the longer axles. CPP lists the 70 axles at 31.5" as compared to the 60-66 axles at 30.75".
__________________
Name: Rich
Current Ride: 1964 C-10 Short Fleetside
Daily Driver: 2005 GMC crew cab short fleetside /2001 Chevy Tahoe
Past GM Trucks:
1959 GMC short stepside
1968 GMC short stepside-4x4
1973 Chevy short stepside
1989 Chevy short fleetside-reg cab
1993 Chevy short fleetside-Xcab
2002 Chevy short fleetside-Xcab

Save the dinosaurs, use synthetic oil.
Slow Build is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-31-2011, 12:59 AM   #11
Captainfab
60-66 Nut

 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Posts: 23,246
Re: 6 lug to 5 lug rear axle swap

1970 was the transition year for the width of the rear differentials, Typically the early '70 rear differentials were the narrower version as the prevoius years. The late '70 differentials were 1.5" wider overall (.750 per side) like the '71 and up differentials. That is why you can't use a '71 and up axles in the '63-early '70 differential housing.
__________________
Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE
Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE
Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE
Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE
Captainfab is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-31-2011, 09:41 AM   #12
mater63
Registered User
 
mater63's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: seymour in
Posts: 76
Re: 6 lug to 5 lug rear axle swap

why dont you just switch the whole housing with axles ? that's what i did on my 63. I took a rear end out of a 72 1/2 ton it bolted right up.
mater63 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-31-2011, 09:55 AM   #13
biohazardbill
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Forsyth, Ga
Posts: 1,012
Re: 6 lug to 5 lug rear axle swap

Quote:
Originally Posted by mater63 View Post
why dont you just switch the whole housing with axles ? that's what i did on my 63. I took a rear end out of a 72 1/2 ton it bolted right up.
Some people need the more narrowed axles for our drops/tire size
biohazardbill is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-01-2011, 11:44 AM   #14
jimmydean
Registered User
 
jimmydean's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 3,728
Re: 6 lug to 5 lug rear axle swap

Quote:
Originally Posted by scrapmetalart View Post
71 axles are longer than your 65 I do believe

I had my 67 axles redrilled & the center turned down for $50. using 71 & up 5 lug drums
Is it really that cheap? I need to call around!

Captainfab, I have a '66 C10 rear. If I have the axles redrilled, could I use one of your disc conversions? I would like to use the Camaro caliper with built in e-brake.
__________________
New Project: 1966 LWB C20
Plans:
1/2 ton conversion
Dropmember front
Dropmember rear
Corvette discs
Restored raised bed

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=4295210
jimmydean is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-01-2011, 11:49 PM   #15
Captainfab
60-66 Nut

 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Posts: 23,246
Re: 6 lug to 5 lug rear axle swap

Yes you can use the Camaro caliper brackets with redrilled axles, but you would need to have the center register turned down to about 3.06" You know I do have the 6 lug rear disc brackets that utilize the Camaro calipers with a 13" rotor. The drawback to those is that you will need a 16" or bigger wheel.

Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmydean View Post
Is it really that cheap? I need to call around!

Captainfab, I have a '66 C10 rear. If I have the axles redrilled, could I use one of your disc conversions? I would like to use the Camaro caliper with built in e-brake.
__________________
Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE
Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE
Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE
Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE
Captainfab is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-01-2011, 08:35 AM   #16
taank
Account Suspended
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: hastings mn
Posts: 186
Re: 6 lug to 5 lug rear axle swap

Why not run the 6 lug?
Posted via Mobile Device
taank is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-01-2011, 08:42 AM   #17
biohazardbill
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Forsyth, Ga
Posts: 1,012
Re: 6 lug to 5 lug rear axle swap

Quote:
Originally Posted by taank View Post
Why not run the 6 lug?
Posted via Mobile Device
Alot of people like 5 lug for more wheel choices.
biohazardbill is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2014, 01:13 PM   #18
caseyt28
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: norman ok
Posts: 11
Re: 6 lug to 5 lug rear axle swap

I have a 70 and mines a 6 lug Ll around
caseyt28 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2015, 07:27 PM   #19
Fastest32
Registered User
 
Fastest32's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin Texas
Posts: 370
Re: 6 lug to 5 lug rear axle swap

Digging up an old thread here but I have some axles I'm gonna re drill to 5 lug but just wanna make sure they're the right length. I had bought a 12 bolt a while back and used the carrier and pinion so I could get the gears I wanted. I used my old axles and ended up with an extra set. They measure 30 3/4 from the back of the flange to the end of the splines.
__________________
BaBaBooey BaBaBooey

GO SPURS GO!!!
Fastest32 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2015, 09:35 PM   #20
Fastest32
Registered User
 
Fastest32's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin Texas
Posts: 370
Re: 6 lug to 5 lug rear axle swap

Anybody?
__________________
BaBaBooey BaBaBooey

GO SPURS GO!!!
Fastest32 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2015, 10:31 PM   #21
ironman3452
Registered User
 
ironman3452's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: las cruces
Posts: 218
Re: 6 lug to 5 lug rear axle swap

I guess if you are just using yours as a daily driver, not as a work truck, not to say that there is anything wrong with that, mine has 8 lugs
ironman3452 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2015, 10:49 PM   #22
Fastest32
Registered User
 
Fastest32's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin Texas
Posts: 370
Re: 6 lug to 5 lug rear axle swap

Quote:
Originally Posted by ironman3452 View Post
I guess if you are just using yours as a daily driver, not as a work truck, not to say that there is anything wrong with that, mine has 8 lugs

?? ^^^Doesn't really make sense, or answer my question, or help even. My front is 5 lug since I put disc brakes and I'd like to match the rear to the front so I can run spider caps instead of baby moons. It's a half ton too
__________________
BaBaBooey BaBaBooey

GO SPURS GO!!!
Fastest32 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-19-2015, 12:36 AM   #23
Captainfab
60-66 Nut

 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Posts: 23,246
Re: 6 lug to 5 lug rear axle swap

Typically the '63 to early '70 12 bolt axles measure 30.5". So I would say your 30.75" axles are correct, just a little variance in the measuring method.
__________________
Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE
Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE
Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE
Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE
Captainfab is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-19-2015, 08:06 AM   #24
Fastest32
Registered User
 
Fastest32's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin Texas
Posts: 370
Re: 6 lug to 5 lug rear axle swap

Quote:
Originally Posted by Captainfab View Post
Typically the '63 to early '70 12 bolt axles measure 30.5". So I would say your 30.75" axles are correct, just a little variance in the measuring method.

Thanks Captain.
__________________
BaBaBooey BaBaBooey

GO SPURS GO!!!
Fastest32 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-19-2015, 02:38 AM   #25
64chevtruck
Registered User
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Rochester Wa.
Posts: 395
Re: 6 lug to 5 lug rear axle swap

Hi, I just put a mid 80s suburban 308 rear end in my 70 gmc. More info in my build thread on it, I took the 5 lug axles out of it and put the stock 70 gmc 6 lug axles right in there, was a really fast easy swap. My buddy did the exaxt same thing 6 years ago with is 67 chev, still working great,

Have a good week
Attached Images
   
__________________
64 C10 Fleetside LB 4 Sp/292 Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=602438
70 GMC 1500 Fleetside LB 3OT/350 Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...83#post6767983
76 GMC CCLB Dually Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=691612
79 GMC 3500 Fleetside LB 454/400
90 Suburban Silverado 4x4 350/700R4
97 1500 Cheyenne Short Fleet 350/5sp
64chevtruck is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:29 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com