axle question ?

[hotsy]

iam wanting to change my rear end on my 70 to a 5 bolt lug pattern ,I have a 5 bolt lug rear end from a 1971 donor truck,can I pull axles from the 5 lug rear and slide into the 6 lug rear end ,if so will I have to change backing plates ,or anything else

[volksworld]

back when I found out the funny squeeking noise in my truck was absolutely no gear oil I installed a rear out of a 75 in my 70....the 6 lug axles swapped right into it,brakes and backing plates the same...this was on a leaf spring truck....I understand the earlier housings were narrower so the axles were shorter but I think 70 and up you're ok...just measure the housing and if its the same you're good

[Hawghauler]

The rear ends are narrower on the earlier models and the axles may be too long. I just did a 5-lug conversion on my '67, and I found it easier and cheaper to just replace the entire rear end and front spindles. I got both from a '72 for 300 bones including the complete steering assembly and power steering box. with lines. I installed the power steering first, then tore apart the '72 xmember. Took one day by myself, including all new Moog ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings. I used the '67 control arms, used the correct ball joints and tie rods for the '72. Added new calipers ($20 ea.)
Turned the discs and drums. New shoes and wheel cylinders in the back. New pads in the front. $200 bucks gets you a vacuum booster, master cylinder, and prop valve. A few new brake lines installed on the rear of the front xmember to the discs. Threw on a set of '80's 8" rallys with 275/60/15's, and rollin!

[Hawghauler]

pics

[GMC Canuck]

Five bolt axles should slide right into a '70 housing. '69 and older housings are narrower (about an inch I think)

[Motoxrrar]

Originally Posted by Hawghauler

picsAttachment 1237558

Attachment 1237559

Purty truck!

[hotsy]

ALSO? can I swap out spindles to 5 lug or do I have to use complete front suspension ?? thanks for the info,it great to get the answers before tearing into so I know what all I will need ..

[Kennuck]

1970 is the only year you can just change the rear axles in. Did it to mine and bought the 5 lug drums it was super easy.
On the front I used 2.5 drop spindles made for 1973 to 87 disc brakes.

[68Gold/white]

In 1970 5 lug disc stuff was an option... many will argue...I've solds parts for the 70 disc brake pickups.

IF, IF the 70 6 lug axles are the same length as the 71 and up (which includes 73-82, BTW), that would be awesome!!! I had not heard about the 6 lug 70 rear ends being wider than the 69 and earlier...

The spindles, is all you need. BUT the upper ball joint is different. Can't remember about steering linkage, will check, though...

I have a 67 and 68, BOTH will have 5 lugs, and disc brakes, when I get them back on the road, life's too short for front drum brakes!!!

[hotsy]

what upper ball joint do I use ? and thanks

[68Gold/white]

Originally Posted by hotsy

what upper ball joint do I use ? and thanks

The one for a 71 or 72.

I checked, and I'm not sure if your drum brake steering linkage will work with the disc brake spindles, beware of that.

[too much stuff]

Part way through 70 was the change to a wider rear end. Best thing is to measure and see if it is the same as your donor.
The front discs didn't come out until 71, so you will want to get your parts for that i would think.