Changing Bolt Pattern

[scott-wisc]

Has anyone successfully redrilled there axles this way? I need to end up with 5 on 5. New axles are 250ish. Cost of a machine shop, I'm guessing about 100 bucks.
What if I used a template as a guide, and a drill press. I'm planning on installing a disk brake kit and I could use the rotor as a guide.

[A1971Blazer]

I have done them in my shop for people several times. The last set I did was for a guy that was restoring his Dad's old Ford pickup. He found a wheel he wanted to use but it was only available in a Chevy bolt pattern. I re-drilled the axles, hubs, and the drums to fit.

One thing to be aware of......some wheels are hub centric...meaning they center by the fit between the wheel and the axle hub...(best way). Others are lug centric....obviously centering by the studs/lugs.

On a lug centric you must be sure that the holes for the studs are perfectly centered on the axle or the wheel won't center up. Also you need to control the size of the hole fairly closely so that the studs aren't too tight to press in or too loose to stay in.

I would suggest that spending a little more to have them done on a milling machine is going to give you the best results...

[Grumpy old man]

Sometimes the correct way is to spend the money and use the services of a good machine shop , This is one of those times .

[scott-wisc]

The i.d. of the wheels is 3 inches. The o.d. of the axle is smaller, looks like 2 3/4. So if I can find new shafts that will replace the current ones, and accommodate my wheels, that will be the route to go.

[A1971Blazer]

Originally Posted by scott-wisc

The i.d. of the wheels is 3 inches. The o.d. of the axle is smaller, looks like 2 3/4. So if I can find new shafts that will replace the current ones, and accommodate my wheels, that will be the route to go.

That would be the easiest way...... and by no means am I telling you that you can't do the re drill or not to try it....just simply want to make sure you're aware of the possibilities....if you were closer I would be happy to do them for you....

[scott-wisc]

Or, I could do these;

[A1971Blazer]

certainly an option.....cheaper than new axles....

[jr1966]

I found these MG6569 on Amazon 80.00 each.

[GR8-68]

Originally Posted by jr1966

I found these MG6569 on Amazon 80.00 each.

I just bought a set of those from amazon. Quickest and easiest way.

[dennislbrooks]

Most likely to run 5 on 5 brake drums you will need to machine the axle hub to the same diameter as a 71/72 rear brake drum. Then use the drum on the axle hub as your template. One hole of the 6 lug will need to be welded shut and you will be drilling thru part of the weld. Tig is softer than mig or stick -- drilling of part of that welded hole is harder but can be done .. Making the holes with a mill may be more accurate. Holes will have to be drilled according to stud serrations for the correct fit.

[88fordf150]

I had my 69 six lug changed to a 5 on 5. They had to re-drill, weld holes and cut down the center register for new 5 on 5 drums, cost about $120 bucks. Must of been a pain because the guy at the driveline shop said they would never do another set.