Redrilling axles

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Redrilling axles

June 22, 2009, 10:09:21 AM

Has anyone here redrilled their rear axles for 5 lug ? I have a friend with 3:55 8.8 rear end he's taking out of a 87 TC. I've read lots of post regarding the 4 to 5 lug conversion but redrilling was only mentioned once that I could find. I'm not sure what the axle is worth but I figure since it already has dics I'm ahead of the game. Not having to spend extra $$ on axles means I'll have $$ to buy the front spindle & brake assemblies and new 5 lug rotors.

I have a full size drill press and hole transfer punches. I figure to leave it one stud ( two if they fit) and install a 5 lug drum or rotor which I'll use as a template to mark the holes. I have drums from my 71 Mach1 and I think some Mark VII rears I bought for the rear disc conversion for my 62 convertible. Does anyone know if the drum/rotos hubs are the same dia for 9"/8" and 8.8" rear axles?

Redrilling axles

Reply #1 – June 25, 2009, 07:39:50 PM

I've never actually seen or heard of anybody doing it, but I have seen a pair of 4 lug axles that looked like they had slugs pressed/welded where the old studs went and the 5 lug pattern drilled in. With the right equipment, I'm sure you could do it...but it might be cheaper/easier to just go to the j-yard and grab the necessary axles out of another vehicle. As for the hub size...I honestly couldn't tell ya.

Good luck,
Don

Redrilling axles

Reply #2 – July 05, 2009, 11:23:39 AM

.............good pic of 4 to 5 lug rear.