The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 5 bolt axel conversion?

I've read an article on how to do a conversion from the original 6 bolt pattern on my truck to a 5 bolt. What advantages does this have? Is there a problem with the 6 bolt? Is it hard to find rims for this pattern?

Generally someone would change to a 5 bolt pattern on the rear end if they upgraded to disc brakes on the front. The 5 bolt disc brake kits are more economical and have greater availability.
Likewise if a rear end was changed for a better ratio it may require a change to the fronts to match. There is also a better selection of aftermarket wheels.
There is nothing wrong with the standard 6 lug wheels, drums, etc, and many owners retain them even on modified vehicles.
Fred

A couple other things to consider.....the 5 bolt diffs, such as the 3rd generation Camaro are 62" wide and make a great swap into the AD truck. Lower mileage, lower price, the emergency brake cables can be slightly modified to clamp to the stock emergency brake system, the swaybar setup is easily adapted and as you mentioned, the R&P ratios are numerous. You can get way from the pricey front tapered bearings which appear to be only available by mail-order for the 6 lug spindles.

However, when you switch to the 5 from 6 lug setup you're more than likely going to be springing for aftermarket rims. Rarely, if ever, will you find a salvage yard rim with the correct backspacing, let alone 4 matching that you like, to replace the 6 lug pattern.

If you're planning on springing for new rims from the start, then the 5 lug conversion is a viable option. However, if you're planning on saving some money on the 5 lug setup it will more than likely be spent on new rims. If you decide to keep your 6 lug pattern and use the stock rims you need to determine if they will work on a disc brake setup.

Once again, planning each complete system in your build will help you avoid costly "adjustments" to get your ride on the road.

Dave

In my opinion, there is no advantage to 5 lug over 6 lugs. There is a 6 lug disc brake kit available that uses larger disc than the 5 lug kit. Plenty of wheels available from the dawn of time to the present that will work with the truck. 6 lugs look more manly than 5 lugs to me.

I believe the 5 lug conversion is more appealing to folks who have put a MII front suspension under their truck, and essentially turned their trucks into cars.

i have to agree having a five bolt front is much easyer when most of the popular rears are five bolt you can use a truck 6 lug rear but you are going to run into lower gearing designed more for towing than cruising and you really don't want to run two lug patterns on a single vehical "carrying to spares would be a pain"

As someone mentioned. Its all in PLANNING. If you go into the 60's pickups there are some higher ratio's.
I stayed 6 lug because I found a nice set of aftermarket wheels,tires/center caps at a bargain. They will work with disc and they clear the tierod.
Plan.....plan.....plan. And you will still run into "problems".

This is what the bolt is all about. Finding all your options and planning

thanks for the advice guys - Here are my 'plans' & I was curious if I should have considered a conversion.

First - I have no problem with drum brakes. They work find if adjusted & maintained properly - but a power conversion is always a plus. They make these conversions for the drum/drum application so no problem.

Second - I really like the rustic (not rusty) weathered look of my bolt. It looks like an old farm truck should look like. It already has chrome aftermarket wheels - so again - no cost is cheaper than big cost (at least for now) of new wheels.

So I'm good with the 6 lug pattern. I just wondered if people were doing it for reliability reasons.

As far as rims for the 5 lug I had no problem. My rear is a Camaro 10 bolt so I bought a set of 4 Camaro rally wheels at the local junk yard, had them powder coated and bolted them on. Of course my front in is a Mustang II 5 bolt, so I guess I now have a car.

lol hope your bolt paterns are the same i would hate to think you running chevy on the back and a "F,,," can't say the word" on the front but gratz on getting it all done wish my build was moving that fast