The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop convert to 5 lug front w/o doing IFS??

I was planning to install a 6 lug axle under my '49 but am leaning toward not using it for several reasons. I think my chances of finding a perfect 6 lug rear axle are slim, so I was thinking to just find a 5 lug since I think they're much easier to come by that fit our trucks. But my question is what is the best way besides IFS to convert the front to 5 lug. THanks for the help!

I put a disk brake conversion kit on my front end that is 5 lug. My truck's a '48 1/2 ton. I think there are several vendors that sell the conversion kits. Don't recall now what I paid, because I did that a few years ago. (I've had the truck 12 years, and the brakes were the first thing I worked on.)

My rear end is a 3.73 limited slip rear out of an '86 Firebird.

You can also use passenger car hubs to retain drum brakes. That subject has been covered extensively. Howeer, I would do the disk brake conversion as well if I was going far enough as to change the bolt pattern.

1954 Chev car hubs and backing plates will get you a 5 lug pattern and then you are open to choose a matching five lug rear end. If you go this route, you can use your existing master cylinder, lines, etc. With the disc conversion, it gets a little more complicated. See the "Parts For Sale" for a set of 1954 Chevrolet hubs and backing plates that are listed there.
Joe

The disk conversion kits are not expensive, but you also have to buy calipers, rotors and hoses.

And you really need to convert to dual master and replumb the brake lines at the same time.

I did it on my '55 1st Suburban about six years ago, so my memory may not be complete, but it wasn't a huge job, just took some time and money. I had already installed a '73 Chevelle rear axle with five lugs under the rear.

Thanks for the help! The disc brake conversion must have slipped my mind, I should have said I wanted to stay with drums. Is it only '54 cars that will swap? I will check the Search again.