Help with a 6 lug axle swap i did

[Riggormotor2222]

I decided I wanted to convert my 1998 chevy c1500 extended cab long bed truck to 6 lug. I got a rear axle I was told was out of a 97 chevy k1500. It bolted right up but the u joint size is different and the one that was for the 5 lug axle is a little smaller. So I need to know if the k1500 ujoint would fit in the 2 piece drive shaft that is in the truck or if I'm going to need to get a special uhoint or if the piece on the axle that the ujoint bolts to will swap with the one that is on the stock 98 2wd axle.

 

[RichLo]

You'll need a conversion U-joint.

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[stutaeng]

Is that axle you swapped the 14 bolt 9.5" 6 lug by any chance? That was the standard axle from the 2500 trucks with 6 lugs. Some K1500 with RPO code F44 also got that axle. That one will require a conversion U joint. My brother did a similar swap, I don't know the part number.

Are the axle widths the same? I thought the 2wd was different than the 4x4. Maybe that's just on the 10 bolt axles?

 

[boy&hisdogs]

Yes, you'll need a conversion U joint. The only way to know for sure is to measure both the axle and the driveshaft and see which one would fit. Good news is that the ones we use for these trucks are usually pretty easy to get.

 

[Schurkey]

When I put a 6-lug, 9.5" semi-float axle under my '88 K1500, the conversion joint needed was Precision 447. Other companies have a similar joint using a different part number; but you can cross over to their numbers from this one.

 

[someotherguy]

Is that axle you swapped the 14 bolt 9.5" 6 lug by any chance? That was the standard axle from the 2500 trucks with 6 lugs. Some K1500 with RPO code F44 also got that axle. That one will require a conversion U joint. My brother did a similar swap, I don't know the part number.

Are the axle widths the same? I thought the 2wd was different than the 4x4. Maybe that's just on the 10 bolt axles?

The 4WD axle assembly should be roughly 4" wider. I sure hope he got a 2WD axle out of a C2500 light duty, and not a K1500(F44)

Richard

 

[stutaeng]

The 4WD axle assembly should be roughly 4" wider. I sure hope he got a 2WD axle out of a C2500 light duty, and not a K1500(F44)

Richard

Yup, that's what my brother did to his C1500 RCSB. He got the axle, knuckles, calipers and rotors from a 2500 6 lug ECLB. Guy threw in some generic 6 lug tires.

I think he said there's a difference in the backspacing running some newer 20" rims so he had to do some spacers on the front. I don't really know the details on that.

But his truck looks kinda cool with 6 lug rims.

 

[someotherguy]

Yup, that's what my brother did to his C1500 RCSB. He got the axle, knuckles, calipers and rotors from a 2500 6 lug ECLB. Guy threw in some generic 6 lug tires.

I think he said there's a difference in the backspacing running some newer 20" rims so he had to do some spacers on the front. I don't really know the details on that.

But his truck looks kinda cool with 6 lug rims.

Absolutely more backspacing with the GMT800-up wheels. I ran a few as rollers on the parts trucks in the yard; there were fitment issues to be sure. Probably would have been OK on the 4x4 trucks, but on a C2500LD they were marginal.

Richard

 

[Riggormotor2222]

I just seen all these messages. So I was told the axle came out of a 97 chevy 1500 step side 4x4. When compared the axle was the same width at the stock 2wd one I pulled out. It bolted right up all the same as well. The only difference is the yoke uses a ujoint that has slightly bigger caps so I can imagine I need a special joint that has bigger caps on two sides and other side same smaller ones to fit in my stock driveline if that makes any sense. I attached pictures

 

[GoToGuy]

Have you not heard of conversion U Joints?
Hardcore four by off-road guy's are always sourcing mix and match drivelines.
Is four wheeler magazine still around, tons of suppliers.
Good luck.