The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Convert 6-lug wheels to 5-lug?

I've got a '66 C-10 with 6-lug wheels, and all the coolest wheels are for 5-lug. How can I convert to 5-lug without a whole new rearend?

Thanks,

---Mark, Tucson, AZ

You can change out the axles from a 71 or 72 c10 all you need to do is remove the cover at the ring gear remove 1 bolt slide out keeper pin and slide C-clips off and reinstall, easy change.

don't forget to get the axles shortened 3/4s of an inch or make spacers for behind the brake backing plates.

i see that alot of people make this change from 6 lug to 5. why is it done? any other strange advatage the 5 lug has over the six or is it usually just to accomodate a special set of rims?

I'm considering this change so that I can use the kind of 5 lug rims that I like. There's just more variety in the 5x4.75 bolt pattern than the 6x5 pattern.

Someone told me today that he knows of a company that will fill and re-drill the axles and hubs. I plan to check that out.

Correct me if i,m wrong but I believe the 71 up
trucks are 5 on 5.

I believe most people go 5 lug because 5 lug front disk brake conversions are cheap compared to 6 lug. You can find 5 lug front disk units plentiful and cheap in junkyards. And they'll easily go on the earlier (pre-'71 back to '63) trucks.

I'm not aware of any factory GM 6 lug (with a 6 on 5.5 bolt pattern) front disk brake front ends that will easily fit the hub of the pre-'71 half ton trucks. And although they'll allow you to keep your stock 6 lug rear end, the aftermarket 6 lug front disk kits are far from inexpensive.

It's usually quite a bit cheaper to buy a 71-72 (or later) junker and steal it's rear axle and front disk assembly than to buy the brand new 6 lug front disk conversion kits.

-ftyler

I am reading my new catalog from Early Classic Enterprises (www.earlyclassics.com) I received in the mail today. After looking at many of the aftermarket 6 to 5 and 6 to 6 disc brake conversions, it looks like ECE is very comprehensive in equipment choices. Additionally, it apprear the offer stock and drop spindles for '60-'72 Chevy/GMC trucks.

FYI-American Racing offers many wheel styles in the 6-lug pattern that comes stock on these trucks. Being somewhat of a purist, I prefer to stay with the stock 6-lug setup, especially since there are so many aftermarket options available for '60-'66 Chevy/GMC trucks.