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6 to 5 lug conversion

65Matt

65Matt

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Dec 29, 2006
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Edmond, OK
Doing disc brake swap on my 65. This leaves me with 5 lug on front and 6 lug in back. What is the easiest way to convert the rear axle so they will be the same. Do I want to put disc on the rear as well?


PS How do you have to pry to get those old ball joints out. I'd hate to hurt my baby getting them out (I am stronger than I look). Thanks for the help.
 
You can order 6 lug rotors from CPP.

Use a good quality pickle fork. Craftsman sells on with three diffrent size forks. Remove the nut and pin pound the fork into the joint. If it dosen't seperate try prying up and down on it. Also smack the joint itself with the hammer. Some go easy some go hard.
 
By FAR the easiest way to get 5 lugs on the rear is to use an axle swap kit found at Early Classic Ent.
You could also leave the front disks at 6 lug. A lot of the better kit suppliers stock the 6 lug rotors, including Early Classic.
Did you mean seperating the ball joint (upper) from the spindle?
Yes: Back the castle nut on the ball joint up, but don't remove it !! Then go about trying to seperate it from the spindle. A mini-sledge applied with force to the spindle, near the ball joint, usually allows the spring to help break it free. If the castle nut is REMOVED before the ball joing breaks free ? Hello Plastic Surgon ! Hello Brain Surgon !!
BE CAREFUL !!
If you are talking about removing the ball joints from the lower control arm...
Rent a ball joint press and apply the force going down through the control arm, top to bottom. To install the lowers, apply the ball joint press to apply pressure upward through the control arm, bottom to top.

If the upper ball joints are original, they will have three rivets holding the ball joint. Use an angle gringer to knock the heads off the rivets, then a GOOD drill bit, or center punch to get the remainder of the rivet out. But again, NOT Until the spring is removed !!!

Val
 
Val, I think you saved my life, but I can't say as much for my undies. That first pop got my attention real quick. Got the spindles off though. Turns out both my front springs were broken as well. Just more to add to the wish list. Appreciate all the advice, and I'm sure I'll be back for more. Matt
 
We'll be here when you come back.

Proud to say I saved your life.

Glad to say I can't say the same about your "chonies".

Val
 
Is it possible to weld the six lug half shafts and have them re-drilled to five lug? And then fit later five lug brake drums?

Just a thought, correct me if i'm crazy!!!
 
When you reinstall the springs make sure you seat them right. Turn them inside the pocket until they don't turn any more. If you don't you will hear a popping sound every time you hit a bump. It will last until they have shifted into place.

While you have it apart replace the ball joints. You'll thank yourself later. One side is riveted in place if they are origal and the other ones are pressed in. I did press them in myself but it was a real pain. Next time I'm going to the machine shop.
 
Since you are at it replace the idler arm, pitman arm, and the tie rods. It will drive like a dream. Most parts can be bought local.
 
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