The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 8 lug to 5 lug question, keeping it stock.

It is possible to swap the 1/2-ton front axle and then either get 5-lug car hubs from an early 50's Chevy or use a disk kit to switch to 5-lugs.

Unless you redrill the 9-inch hubs you'll have different bolt patterns front and rear.

You will not have a 1-ton truck anymore, and in fact your truck will be heavy enough that you won't be able to stop as much load as a 1/2-ton truck would.

Since its hard to find highway friendly gears for your rear axle I understand changing it, but the 9-inch is a downgrade strength wise and brake wise. Unless you are shortening the truck you are creating a risky situation where it will be easily possible to load the truck beyond what the brakes can safely stop.

Let me pitch going disk brakes on the front, and perhaps the rear too. That may be the best way to increase braking capacity and therefore safety.

Another possible approach might be to swap to a 6-lug 14-bolt rear from a 90's 3/4-ton Chevy pickup, and then use the 1/2-ton front axle with a 6-lug disk brake kit? I think that would produce a safer combination.