Converting 10 bolt front axel to 8 lug?

[grtwhite]

Consisdering upgrading to a 14blt ff rear axel and need info on changing the bolt pattern up front. The front axel is a stock 10 bolt. Roughly how hard is this and any idea how much it may cost? Also 15 inch rims will fit right? I think I've read that on this site, if in the future I'd upgrade to a dana 60 front axel, 15 inch rims should fit with a little grinding? Want to plan ahead and do things the right the first time. Thanks for the help! - Jay

 

[grtwhite]

Someone out there I know has some answers. How about a little help?

 

[tRustyK5]

I'm pretty sure the only difference is from the rotors out. Everything else is the same. Try the wreckers and look for 3/4 ton chevy's.

Rene

 

[Casey 86K5]

To convert a 6-lug 10-bolt to 8 lug is easy. All you need to change is hubs, rotors, calipers and backing plates. When I did my conversion I bought new hubs & rotors, calipers and pads from auto zone, I found the backing plates at a local junk yard. All of the brake components are for an '86 3/4 ton 4x4 and the backing plates were off of an '85 3/4 ton 4x4 suburban. I have more info about this on my web page.

Casey 86K5

http://86blazer.coloradok5.com

 

[BIGJ]

Yep, tRusty is right, you need the hubs, backing plates and rotors from a 3/4ton GM 4x4 with a ten bolt front. The front spindles are the same size too. It might be a good idea to grab those too, just for extras. I did this swap a while back and my parts came off of a 79 3/4 ton longbed 4x4. The hard part to find is the backing plates, everything else can be bought new (rotors, hubs, bearings, seals). Drop me a line if you have any more questions.

15 inch wheels will fit a 3/4 ton with quite a bit of grinding. 15 inch wheels will only fit a 60 if you use a crazy offset. I tried it with my 15x10 eight lugs (4 inch backspacing) and there was no way it would work on a 60 without being offset alot more than they were. If you plan on swapping in a dana 60 in the front, I would recommend 16's or 16.5's.

BIGJ

 

[grtwhite]

Thanks for the input guys! - Jay