I'm getting ready to do the 12" disc brake conversion on my 68 skylark this spring, and install a 12 bolt rearend (assuming I can find one). The front bolt pattern will be 5 on 5, but what about the rear? Are the axle shafts from the big cars with 12 bolt rearends and 5 on 5 patterns the same length as the shafts on the small cars? If I find a 12 bolt from a small car can I simply exchange the shafts from a big car?
The big car axles are longer than the A body 12 bolt axles. You will have to get custom ones made, unless you can cross them over to an 1988 or newer 8.5 GM truck axle what is the same length. I would do one of two things. 1 Get an aftermarket front disc kit so that you can keep the traditional 4 3/4 wheels you already have. 2 get the cheap big fron brakes and buy aftermarket axles to make you have the 5x5 pattern all around. Then by the wheels that would match the 5x5. Option ones seams to be the better choice the way I look at it. Option 2 is kinda like tripping over a dollar to pick up a penny.
hmmmmph.....thanks for the advice. I WAS really hoping to use my big shiny buick rally's. Oh well. o No:
I was at the yard again and compared a later model Caprice cop car with typical 68-72 12 bolt axles and they appear to be the same. Maybe you could find an 88 and up Caprice wagon with drum brakes and 5x5 pattern? The car I checked was about 1994 vintage, but I'm told they are the same from 88 and up. Might come together for you!:beer
