12 bolt axle interchange

[Stinky]

I'm looking at changing my gears on a '86 2wd 1/2 ton Suburban. It has a 10-bolt axle in it. I've been looking for a 10 bolt, but I am looking to go to 4.11, and they are more common in the 4x4 bolt pattern and most, if not all, of the ones that I've seen are in a 12 bolt axle. In my area, 2wd axles are sorta rare. I've seen a few, in the right ratio, but they were all 6 bolt. I have an 12 bolt axle that has 5 bolt axles on it (the R&P is shot on it).

In a 12 bolt axle, are the 5 bolt and 6 bolt axles interchangeable?

 

[Stomis]

I'm looking at changing my gears on a '86 2wd 1/2 ton Suburban. It has a 10-bolt axle in it. I've been looking for a 10 bolt, but I am looking to go to 4.11, and they are more common in the 4x4 bolt pattern and most, if not all, of the ones that I've seen are in a 12 bolt axle. In my area, 2wd axles are sorta rare. I've seen a few, in the right ratio, but they were all 6 bolt. I have an 12 bolt axle that has 5 bolt axles on it (the R&P is shot on it).

In a 12 bolt axle, are the 5 bolt and 6 bolt axles interchangeable?

I cant answer this question definitively for you but I can tell you that in the next generation the 4wd axles are always wider than the 2wd axles and I want to say it will most likely hold true with this generation. Making your 5 lug and 6 lug shafts not interchangeable.

 

[chulisohombre]

I don't think they interchange. You may have to call one of the axle manufacturers to check and maybe have them make you custom shafts for your new axle if they don't. I don't know about their width but the brakes are different and would require I think a different width axle to match up to the backing plate and drums.