Got a set of EB axles for an SAS in my S-10 Blazer. The axles are out of a 73, open knuckle drum brake. I want to run 6 lug wheels, and heard that I dont' need to swap the spindle. Just to verify, I can reuse the knuckle (but can't remember if flattop or not) spindle, and stub shaft. I will look at the axle again, but the more I think the more I dont' think it's flattops. So if that is the case, if I swap the knuckles out for GM 6 lug stuff, can I still use the stub?? I don't care about the small u-joint, not going bigger than 33s and this is a d/d. One last question for the rear, is there enough meat on the flange and drums to redrill to 6x5.5?? If I do need to get new shafts, any ideas on what a OEM style with 6 lugs will run?? Last time I bought shafts were $300, but I don't need anything like that...Thanks for the help.

Got a set of EB axles for an SAS in my S-10 Blazer. The axles are out of a 73, open knuckle drum brake. I want to run 6 lug wheels, and heard that I dont' need to swap the spindle. Just to verify, I can reuse the knuckle (but can't remember if flattop or not) spindle, and stub shaft. I will look at the axle again, but the more I think the more I dont' think it's flattops. So if that is the case, if I swap the knuckles out for GM 6 lug stuff, can I still use the stub?? I don't care about the small u-joint, not going bigger than 33s and this is a d/d. One last question for the rear, is there enough meat on the flange and drums to redrill to 6x5.5?? If I do need to get new shafts, any ideas on what a OEM style with 6 lugs will run?? Last time I bought shafts were $300, but I don't need anything like that...Thanks for the help.
As far as running a 6 lug wheel...the drum brake knuckle should have 6bolt spindle(if so)...you should be able to run a chevy backing /caliper plate,spindle, hub, and rotor(that gives ya 6-lug pattern). You might even be able to run 10 bolt(stuff) as long as the 6 bolt spindle will bolt to the knuckle(not sure). None of the EB axles were flat top(not the kind ya can use). You can use the stubs for either. I have ford, but chevy disc...now my stubs aren't long enough for the center snap ring-no biggie, if I want the snap ring I would just swap to chevy outers. As for the rear, maybe a isuzu trooper would be better-I think they are 30 or 31 spline,D44,w/disc and 6lug too...just a thought.HTH,chuck

The drum spindle will not work, at least for a ford rotor, bottoms out on the backing plate before the bearing tightens up. Why not run 5 lug? If you are set on 6 lug, might also consider toyota rear axle, I've heard some of the isuzus had oddball rears, based on a D44, but not fully interchangeable.

I'll second the chevy disk conversion. You can keep the knuckles, just swap everything from spindle out. 73 thru 76 chevy stuff is recommended for using with a Ford rotor, but I'm not sure what will work with all chevy stuff. I suppose anything with the 6 bolt spindle. The Ford drum stub axle is a tad shorter, but will work. The snap ring to hold it in the hub won't fit. Upgrading to large u-joint shafts is recommended, then you can use chevy outers to match the brakes.

Since the knuckles aren't flattop, I have to swap them out so I can steer the thing. That wasn't really the problem, but the stub was. I can't remember what year went to the bigger joint, but didn't want to go through the PITA of tearing apart an axle just for the stub. I don't need the bigger joints, and don't want to spend extra money for new shafts. I thought about the Izusu rear, but already have the 9" rear, so why not use it?? I want to go 6 lug so I can run the GM 8" rallys, they look sweet on S-10s. Another reason is I can swap tires from the S-10 to my 'burban if need be.