swapping hubs?

[hillbilly4008]

I really want to make my wife's '50chevy 3600 a little more road worthy. Sure it'll go down the road like it is, but it would top out around 45mph. 5:something gears out back, hooked to the stock 4spd. Also its an 8lugger, with split rims. Im not a big fan of that.

I was thinking about getting a rear axle out of a camaro, or nova. Ya know something with 5 lugs. Then i got to thinking about the front axle. Im not ready to do a subframe or anything similar, and i don't want to use wheel adaptors. What can i do to convert the 3/4ton 8lug I-beam to 5 lug. OR can someone point me in the direction of a donor solid axle that would fit under the '50 that also has 5 lug?

The reason i wanna go with the 5 lug, verses period correct 6 lug, is because i have a full set of chevy rally wheels w/rings + center caps. I think they would look great on there painted up. Or left silver.

 

[Unkl Ian]

I think the similar year car hubs might work.

Pretty sure that is possible, at least on some years.

 

[hillbilly4008]

I would think they would be the same as the 1/2tons. I've found that the 1/2tons and the 3/4tons have different kingpins. Wait a second, you dont need to change the kingpins if your changing just the hub do you? Good idea. So i should just cross reference bearings and spindles?

 

[Sam_Fear]

Odds are if the kingpins are different, the spindles are too. Which would mean the bearings and hubs are also different.

 

[Blue Eyed Devil]

The spindles and hubs are different, so the easiest way to go would be swapping out the entire axle with a complete 1/2 ton unit. The spring mounts and perches would be the same, so it would be a bolt-in deal. Then you can use '49-'54 passenger car hubs (which work with the 1/2 ton spindles) to get the 5 lug pattern. Shouldn't be to hard to round up those parts...

 

[Sam_Fear]

You might want to ask over on http://www.ford-trucks.com/ They have year specific forums with a lot of tech knowledgeable posters. Just try not to say words like Chevy over there.

 

[Blue Eyed Devil]

You might want to ask over on http://www.ford-trucks.com/ They have year specific forums with a lot of tech knowledgeable posters. Just try not to say words like Chevy over there.

Then why would he ask questions about a Chevy truck there?

 

[Shea Laking]

Try this site:

www.stovebolt.com

There's some very knowledgeable people over there who are willing to share model specific info and tricks about these trucks.

Just like Blue-Eyed Devil posted, if you swap out your front axle for a half-ton one, you can use the Chevy passenger car hubs and drums to get the 5x4 3/4 bolt circle you want for those Monte Rallys. Disc brake swap kits are also available to use on the half ton spindles, as well.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Shea

P.S. Great site here. Lots of interesting ideas without the attitude like that "other" rat rod site.

 

[Sam_Fear]

Then why would he ask questions about a Chevy truck there?

HAH! Yeah, guess that's a bad place to go. Guess I better pack in today, I was thinking this was the thread about the Ford bearings!!!! That's my 3rd "DOH!" I've had this week!

 

[Blue Eyed Devil]

HAH! Yeah, guess that's a bad place to go. Guess I better pack in today, I was thinking this was the thread about the Ford bearings!!!! That's my 3rd "DOH!" I've had this week!

Haha I figured so. Happens to the best of us!

 

[Gearhead10]

If ya figure out how to make it work to switch hubs let moronthethrottle know. Him and I been talkin and he was wishin he could some how get rid of the 8 bolt split rims and go with 5 or 6 bolt hubs without disturbing the stock suspension and look of his 48 pickup. Keep us posted and happy hunting.

 

[Sam_Fear]

If you don't mind steelies, can't you get regular 8-lug rims? Not sure about as back as far as 48 or 50, but I thought all brands used the same 8-lug pattern for many years. Maybe it was just the Dana axles or something. I didn't have too hard of a time finding non-split 8-lugs for my 64 F250 several years back. I think Ford changed their 8-lug pattern slightly in the 90's - close but no fit to the older ones - classic Ford trick....

I've been wrong a lot today, so ya might wanna take what I say with a bag full of caution.

 

[Blue Eyed Devil]

If ya figure out how to make it work to switch hubs let moronthethrottle know. Him and I been talkin and he was wishin he could some how get rid of the 8 bolt split rims and go with 5 or 6 bolt hubs without disturbing the stock suspension and look of his 48 pickup. Keep us posted and happy hunting.

I already let you know if you read my post...

 

[hillbilly4008]

If you don't mind steelies, can't you get regular 8-lug rims? Not sure about as back as far as 48 or 50, but I thought all brands used the same 8-lug pattern for many years. Maybe it was just the Dana axles or something. I didn't have too hard of a time finding non-split 8-lugs for my 64 F250 several years back. I think Ford changed their 8-lug pattern slightly in the 90's - close but no fit to the older ones - classic Ford trick....

I've been wrong a lot today, so ya might wanna take what I say with a bag full of caution.

The bolt pattern is the same today as it was in 1950, i took the spare off of my '04 Duramax and they go right on the rear. Problem is the back spacing is wrong and it hits the tie rods. My original plan was to go out and get a full set of factory spares off of the new silverados. Decent looking steel rim, could be nice if painted(RED haha) AND in all honesty how many peoples spare tires have ever even been out from under the bed? i know mine hasnt.

 

[hillbilly4008]

The spindles and hubs are different, so the easiest way to go would be swapping out the entire axle with a complete 1/2 ton unit. The spring mounts and perches would be the same, so it would be a bolt-in deal. Then you can use '49-'54 passenger car hubs (which work with the 1/2 ton spindles) to get the 5 lug pattern. Shouldn't be to hard to round up those parts...

This seems to be the way to go. What really grinds my gears is that i had one, but i ended up gettin rid of the truck to get the money to buy this one. I've got a donor car for the hubs still though.

 

[hillbilly4008]

If you don't mind steelies, can't you get regular 8-lug rims? Not sure about as back as far as 48 or 50, but I thought all brands used the same 8-lug pattern for many years. Maybe it was just the Dana axles or something. I didn't have too hard of a time finding non-split 8-lugs for my 64 F250 several years back. I think Ford changed their 8-lug pattern slightly in the 90's - close but no fit to the older ones - classic Ford trick....

I've been wrong a lot today, so ya might wanna take what I say with a bag full of caution.

Im assuming your 64 had drums up front? Safe assumption. I guess as long as there 16s or larger they would work. I've heard Ford or Dodge to Chevy works. But Chevy to Ford or Dodge will not. The reasoning behind this is that Ford and Dodge used larger diameter studs.

 

[Gearhead10]

Opps, my bad..... I must be catchin what Sam has

 

[moronthethrottle]

Actually, I'd like to keep the 8lug anyway. Maintain that 1 ton farm truck feel...with attitude. I'm just a moron for buying 16.5" rims & tires.