8 - 6 lug conversion?

[Stoopalini]

Does anyone know if there is a way to convert an 8 Lug 3/4 axle to a 6 Lug pattern?

Just curious here ............ trying to explore all my options.

Thomas.

-- '84 K5 Blazer --
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://Stoopalini.coloradok5.com>http://Stoopalini.coloradok5.com</A>

 

[Casey 86K5]

Front or rear axle?

Casey 86K5

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://86blazer.coloradok5.com>http://86blazer.coloradok5.com</A>

 

[Stoopalini]

I would like info on both actually.

The rear is my immediate concern, but info on a front conversion would be helpfull too.

Thomas.

-- '84 K5 Blazer --
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://Stoopalini.coloradok5.com>http://Stoopalini.coloradok5.com</A>

 

[Kyle89K5]

The rear axle is gonna be a bitch. If it's a 3/4 ton, it's more than likely a 14 full float. It would be easier to do a complete axle swap. The front is cake. I've got the six lug stuff at my house that I'll swap out with you. I'm getting the hang of doing these. It only takes about an hour, give or take on how many breaks I take. I've got a 6 lug 10 bolt sitting in my garage with 3.73's in it that might be for sale real soon. If you've got an 8 lug, maybe we could work out a deal.

You'll need the hub and rotor for the 6 lug. That's about it. It's a simple swap on the front end.

Good Luck.

Kyle
89K5

 

[Stoopalini]

Well, here's the deal:

My blazer currently has 2 Corp. 10 Bolts in it. The rear took a dive on me and I figure why not replace it with a 14 FF. So, I am trying to figure out what the best course of action is going to be.

I already have a line on a 14 Bolt 8-lug rear that has 4.10 gears installed.
If I go this route, I can either
A) swap rims and do a front axle swap for something with 4.10 gears
or
B) do an 8-6 lug conversion on the rear and re-gear the front 10 bolt.

I am opting for option A at this point, but would like to know what option B would entitle.

Thanks for the input (.....and offer),

Thomas.

-- '84 K5 Blazer --
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://Stoopalini.coloradok5.com>http://Stoopalini.coloradok5.com</A>

 

[dyeager535]

I'm listening too...the only thing really stopping me from doing the 3/4 conversion (besides potential cost) is 'cause I like the wheels I have and they diodn't make them in 8 lug that I know of.



Dorian
My K5 and Chev/Olds links: <A target="_blank" HREF=http://yeagerd.home.mindspring.com/index2.html>http://yeagerd.home.mindspring.com/index2.html</A>

 

[Kyle89K5]

Option B would mean custom fab work. There was a guy on here a while back talking about being able to swap 8-6 lug on the 14, but it was a custom job. You could go and spend about $1300 and get the kit from <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.drivetrain.com/>http://www.drivetrain.com/</A> It'll swap an 8 lug 14 down to 6 lug, but it's not a Full float anymore.. In my opinon, and this is the route I took, I went ahead and put the 14 in and bought new rims and tires. I got lucky and got the matching front end to go with my 14 so I've got a 44 with the right gears. If you didn't have the cash for the gear swap right away, you could swap over to 8 lug outers on the 10 and take the front driveshaft out to keep from accidentally putting it in 4 wheel with two different gear ratios, this will get you back on the road till you have the cash for the gear swap.

I think once you added up the money, you’d still be ahead by going 8 lug. The kit from Drivetrain specialists is around $1300, about the same as I paid for 5 new swampers on new rims. That just leaves the front end. Your going to have to regear it either way, so that moneys already spent. Last time I called, I got a price for about $75 for all the stuff from the salvage yard to do a 6-8 lug swap.


Kyle
89K5

 

[blazen91]

I have been wandering also if this can be done. I have already decided how I make it work, But it is going to involve some mechining and welding. Since I haven't done it yet, I just don't know how hard it will be. If I get it done soon, I'll let you know.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.blazen91.coloradok5.com>http://www.blazen91.coloradok5.com</A>
Protect the land FOR the people
Not FROM the people




<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by blazen91 on 01/02/01 03:19 PM (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[Stoopalini]

I think what I will do is get the 8 lug rims and 14B-FF for now:
Then install the diff and get just the 2 rear tires switched over to the 8 lug 15" wheels.
I can run like this until I get a front diff as long as I don't engage the 4WD.
I too thought about taking the front driveshaft out, but wouldn't my transfer case fluid leak/drip out?

Any idea on how much $$ it would cost to get the front re-geared to 4.10?
For all I know, this might be about the same price as swapping it out to a D44 or D60.

Thanks for all the info guys, I really appreciate it!

Thomas.

-- '84 K5 Blazer --
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://Stoopalini.coloradok5.com>http://Stoopalini.coloradok5.com</A>

 

[Kyle89K5]

The front won't leak if you take the driveshaft out, but the rear might, depending on what year it is. Don't sweat the front driveshaft.

Call some local shops, it all depends on your area. Around hear, it can vary by as much as $100 per shop. You might be able to find an 8 lug 44 or 10 in the mean time. A 60 is gonna cost you more than a 44 or 10. Lots of salvage yard looking/calling can usually net you a 44 or 10 with the 8 lug pattern and usually 4.10's. There is an 8 lug 10 bolt with 4.10's up here. I think the guys asking $400 for it. That's about the price to regear a front end. Usually between $400-$550 is a good price for both a front end OR regearing.

HTH

Kyle
89K5