The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks rear axle swap

I want to upgrade my '61' suburban rear wheels from 6 to 5 lugs. Are there any direct replacement axles from a donor to do this with?

This had been discussed before, but I believe the easy answer is no. The newer axles will fit, but are roughly 3/4" to long. You have to have the end that goes into the center section shortened, and the "C" clip groove recut in. If this is incorrect, someone will jump in. That 3/4 dimension is just off the top of my head, but it's in the ball park.

You may want to look at this article.
http://www.webrodder.com/article.php?AID=189&SID=60
Seems that they now want you to purchase the whole article, but there might be enough to determine if you want to purchase.
Not sure but I would think that it would work on a 61 as well.

That would be more or less correct for a '63-'70, which uses the later 12 bolt rearend. The '60-'62 uses the HO33, same as the '55-'59.

Thanks all for the response, I still don't know exactly what I'm going to do. This truck has been my dads truck since "62". it was parked for 25 plus years and then vandalized about 10 years ago. I was able to get the windshield and doors replaced then, but it has been sitting since. About a year ago I got it running again and have rebuilt two of the sliding windows. I intend to change out the front cross member to upgrade to disc brakes and needed to know where to go with the rear. It's nice to have it move again but I need brakes to stop and do not want to rebuild what I intend to get rid of. It may just be me but I would like to keep the front and rear the same year if possible.

You can also go to a rear end shop and have them re-drill the axles and drums for the 5 bolt pattern you want. It's fairly cheap and easy to do.