6 lug to 5 lug rear axle swap - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

unclemnstr1965 · 03-30-2011, 02:29 PM

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?

**shortbed70** · 03-30-2011, 02:43 PM

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.
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unclemnstr1965 · 03-30-2011, 02:55 PM

you're probably right... i thought 5 lug came out in 1967 for some reason. guess because of the body change. thanks.

Str8axle · 03-30-2011, 03:13 PM

5 lug started in '71 as far as I know.

**Slow Build** · 03-30-2011, 03:43 PM

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

**biohazardbill** · 03-30-2011, 05:39 PM

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

Clicky

**flips72** · 03-30-2011, 08:35 PM

i just had my original 65 axles redrilled to 5 lug,drums too, just cost 80 bucks for it all. poor mans way out .

**70cst** · 03-30-2011, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Str8axle

5 lug started in '71 as far as I know.

You are correct

scrapmetalart · 03-30-2011, 11:28 PM

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

**Slow Build** · 03-30-2011, 11:50 PM

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".

**Captainfab** · 03-30-2011, 11:59 PM

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.

mater63 · 03-31-2011, 08:41 AM

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.

**biohazardbill** · 03-31-2011, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mater63

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

63sbssbbw · 04-01-2011, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biohazardbill

Some people need the more narrowed axles for our drops/tire size

Yes,that and try to find a '71-'72 5 lug that isn't 700 miles away LOL
T

*taank* · 04-01-2011, 07:35 AM

Why not run the 6 lug?
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**biohazardbill** · 04-01-2011, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taank

Why not run the 6 lug?
Posted via Mobile Device

Alot of people like 5 lug for more wheel choices.

**jimmydean** · 04-01-2011, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scrapmetalart

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.

**Captainfab** · 04-01-2011, 10:49 PM

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

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.

03-30-2011, 02:55 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.

03-30-2011, 03:13 PM	#4
Str8axle Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: South Jersey Posts: 225	Re: 6 lug to 5 lug rear axle swap 5 lug started in '71 as far as I know.

03-30-2011, 03:43 PM	#5
Slow Build Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: California Delta Posts: 1,597	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: 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 I really am slow, once I get started.

03-30-2011, 05:39 PM	#6
biohazardbill Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Forsyth, Ga Posts: 794	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 05:39 PM.

03-30-2011, 08:35 PM	#7
flips72 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: oldfort tn Posts: 1,000	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 .

03-30-2011, 02:29 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 02:43 PM. Reason: entered wrong year

03-30-2011, 02:43 PM	#2
shortbed70 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: St. George KS Posts: 3,960	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 1998 honda accord my driver (gas milage) 2007 Dodge charger 3.5L 2003 Dodge 2500 HEMI 1965 Chevy Bagged,361 sbc,comp cam 280H,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

03-30-2011, 11:28 PM	#9
scrapmetalart Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: DAYTON Posts: 485	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 __________________ http://frontstcycle.blogspot.com/ Last edited by scrapmetalart; 03-30-2011 at 11:30 PM.

03-30-2011, 11:50 PM	#10
Slow Build Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: California Delta Posts: 1,597	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: 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 I really am slow, once I get started.

03-30-2011, 11:59 PM	#11
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 12,246	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. __________________ '75 K5 Blazer 355, T400/205, D60, 14B FF '68 RS Camaro '66 C10 Suburban, 454, T400, 3.42 posi., etc. '66 C30 cab and chassis, factory AC '66 C20 former dd '63 C10 Suburban, future 4x4 project '63 C10 swb, future pro street project '63 C60 292, 5 spd,2 spd rear,cab and chassis 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 Impala SS Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE http://www.dragtrucks.com

03-31-2011, 08:41 AM	#12
mater63 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: seymour in Posts: 71	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.

04-01-2011, 07:35 AM	#15
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

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