changing bolt pattern on an axle

[gmcman]

This might be a stupid question but I believe I have seen this on here somewhere before. Can a person take a 10 or 12 bolt 5-lug axle,weld the stud holes full of weld, then redrill for 6-lug??? Has this ever been done or is it even safe??

 

[George_Pimpdaddy]

why not just change the axle shafts to the 6 lug ones then you'd need new brake drums and rotors..

 

[gmcman]

I have a 12 bolt with 6-lugs and 2.73 gears but the carrier and spider gears are hooped! Locally I have been trying to find any 12 or 10 bolt 6 lug rearend but no luck. Lots of 5 lugs around though. Maybe I could find a 12 bolt I could use for parts for mine maybe. Seems to me one of the yards I called had a 12 bolt 5 lug I think?? Maybe I could just swap the axles assuming they are the same length.I'm sure if I went to one of the bigger cities 1 1/2 hours away I can get something but the 4-5 local yards have nothing.

 

[onetonbb74]

just use a 5 lug for the gears and housing then swap your 6 lug axles and brakes on it. Just make sure there the same axle, 10 or 12

 

[George_Pimpdaddy]

where abouts are you in canada

 

[gmcman]

I just added some detail to my profile George Pimpdaddy. I'm in Red Deer. I may have to look in Edmonton or Calgary. Should find something there don't you think?

 

[gone huntin]

Like said before, all truck ten and twelve bolts are the same, just swap out your axles. I've done this numerous times.