Could be a dumb question about 6 lug... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bigcarguy · 08-09-2002, 02:47 PM

I bought a rearend that has 6 lugs. My truck has 5 lugs right now. How would I change the front calipers to 6 lugs? Do I just swap them out for calipers that are 6 lugs, or is it more complicated than that?

Smooth68 · 08-09-2002, 02:58 PM

You actually want to swap from 5 to 6?!?!? I think that is a first time I've heard of that

I don't think our trucks came out with 6 lug for 2 wheel drive - You might have to do some conversion type stuff.

You might want to look at just getting 5 lug axles for the rear you just bought -

bigcarguy · 08-09-2002, 03:52 PM

I don't really know the difference between the two, so I just assumed it'd be easier to swap the rotors then the axles. Can I just slip the axles off of my truck now with the 5 lugs? I guess I should go with 5 lug all around then. The rear end is out of a 70, but it is the rearend that will fit my 72. Will the axles just swap out for each other no problem or is it more complicated than that?

jku72 · 08-09-2002, 04:38 PM

The axle shaft length is different, while the "pumpkin" part of the rear axle is the same, the width is different, and, unfortunately, it is not possible to just switch rotors either. Basically, if you want axle/front suspension items used, buy 71-72 for those years, and if you own a 67-70, buy those years.
Sorry.

Smooth68 · 08-09-2002, 04:45 PM

You can use the axles from your old rear, but you will need some spacers. The 71-72 are the same length, but the 69-70 is different. Some of our other users will have more info on the exact spacer length and such

Smooth68 · 08-09-2002, 04:59 PM

Also check this post, sounds almost like your situation

Bamm · 08-09-2002, 05:00 PM

I know that the 67-69 were one width and the 70-72 were one width with the exception of the "early" '70 rears that were 67-9 width. If your rear axles are the same as the 71-2's they will straight swap. If anybody has any information on the spacers that Prostr68trk is talking about, please let me know. I also bought a '70 posi rear, but I got an "early" one and the axles are different lengths. I want to remedy this if I can........JB

Longhorn Man · 08-09-2002, 06:13 PM

Pull a shaft on each axle and check, they may well just swap out.
You can get 6 lug rotors from GMC Paul.
6 lug was all that was avalable on 2 wheel drive trucks untill '71 when they added discs, and went to 5 lug for the first time.

JJR · 08-10-2002, 10:38 PM

Another option, not mentioned, would be to pull the ring and pinion and posi unit out of the 70 housing and have it put in your current rear.

67 SS · 08-11-2002, 08:22 PM

If its late 70 the 71-72 axle will fit.The earlier ones have too much difference in length for me to run.I saw a guy put 71 axles in a 67 and theres a big gap between the backing plate and brakes.More importantly I wonder how good the bearing race and bearing line up?

08-09-2002, 02:47 PM	#1
bigcarguy Finally a Bulldawg Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Athens, Georgia Posts: 220	Could be a dumb question about 6 lug... I bought a rearend that has 6 lugs. My truck has 5 lugs right now. How would I change the front calipers to 6 lugs? Do I just swap them out for calipers that are 6 lugs, or is it more complicated than that? __________________ Ah yes, the college life. School all morning, work all night, study when ya can. Uh...

08-09-2002, 02:58 PM	#2
Smooth68 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: West Fork, Arkansas - Razorback Country Posts: 1,826	You actually want to swap from 5 to 6?!?!? I think that is a first time I've heard of that I don't think our trucks came out with 6 lug for 2 wheel drive - You might have to do some conversion type stuff. You might want to look at just getting 5 lug axles for the rear you just bought - __________________ Smooth68's Web Site WTB 64-66 project or frame/cab, SWB or LWB...I have the fever! Whatcha got?? '68 Short Step - Shaved Body, Soon Bagged - *SOLD* Driver-2004 GMC Z-71 Ext-cab

08-09-2002, 03:52 PM	#3
bigcarguy Finally a Bulldawg Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Athens, Georgia Posts: 220	I don't really know the difference between the two, so I just assumed it'd be easier to swap the rotors then the axles. Can I just slip the axles off of my truck now with the 5 lugs? I guess I should go with 5 lug all around then. The rear end is out of a 70, but it is the rearend that will fit my 72. Will the axles just swap out for each other no problem or is it more complicated than that? __________________ Ah yes, the college life. School all morning, work all night, study when ya can. Uh...

08-09-2002, 04:38 PM	#4
jku72 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: cornville, maine Posts: 659	The axle shaft length is different, while the "pumpkin" part of the rear axle is the same, the width is different, and, unfortunately, it is not possible to just switch rotors either. Basically, if you want axle/front suspension items used, buy 71-72 for those years, and if you own a 67-70, buy those years. Sorry. __________________ jku Cornville, Maine 68 C10 burb 42 Willys MB 46 Dodge WF-32 1.5 ton 53 & 56 Olds' 60 Cadillac 22 Dodge Brothers

08-09-2002, 04:45 PM	#5
Smooth68 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: West Fork, Arkansas - Razorback Country Posts: 1,826	You can use the axles from your old rear, but you will need some spacers. The 71-72 are the same length, but the 69-70 is different. Some of our other users will have more info on the exact spacer length and such __________________ Smooth68's Web Site WTB 64-66 project or frame/cab, SWB or LWB...I have the fever! Whatcha got?? '68 Short Step - Shaved Body, Soon Bagged - *SOLD* Driver-2004 GMC Z-71 Ext-cab

08-09-2002, 04:59 PM	#6
Smooth68 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: West Fork, Arkansas - Razorback Country Posts: 1,826	Also check this post, sounds almost like your situation __________________ Smooth68's Web Site WTB 64-66 project or frame/cab, SWB or LWB...I have the fever! Whatcha got?? '68 Short Step - Shaved Body, Soon Bagged - *SOLD* Driver-2004 GMC Z-71 Ext-cab

08-09-2002, 05:00 PM	#7
Bamm Cowboy Fan for Life!!!!!! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Amelia, Virginia Posts: 2,921	I know that the 67-69 were one width and the 70-72 were one width with the exception of the "early" '70 rears that were 67-9 width. If your rear axles are the same as the 71-2's they will straight swap. If anybody has any information on the spacers that Prostr68trk is talking about, please let me know. I also bought a '70 posi rear, but I got an "early" one and the axles are different lengths. I want to remedy this if I can........JB __________________ 1967 ShortBed Fleetside 3/4 Drop 350/700R4 Tilt wheel 18 x 8 Torque Thrust II's Future mods: All new gauges & wood bed My Zip is 23002 I ship UPS, USPS

08-09-2002, 06:13 PM	#8
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Pull a shaft on each axle and check, they may well just swap out. You can get 6 lug rotors from GMC Paul. 6 lug was all that was avalable on 2 wheel drive trucks untill '71 when they added discs, and went to 5 lug for the first time.

08-10-2002, 10:38 PM	#9
JJR Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Leesburg, GA Posts: 746	Another option, not mentioned, would be to pull the ring and pinion and posi unit out of the 70 housing and have it put in your current rear. __________________ FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE DRUM BRAKE CLUB Second Owner 70 C-10 Second Owner 93 GMC C1500 Third Owner 99 C2500 Crew Cab Short Bed

08-11-2002, 08:22 PM	#10
67 SS Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: NW ARKANSAS Posts: 258	If its late 70 the 71-72 axle will fit.The earlier ones have too much difference in length for me to run.I saw a guy put 71 axles in a 67 and theres a big gap between the backing plate and brakes.More importantly I wonder how good the bearing race and bearing line up?



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