Switching from 6 to 8 lug on IFS.

[Krazy Krakker]

Looking to use a set of h2 wheels N tires on the 94 Z-71. It's half ton and I'm looking at putting in a D60 rear or a simi float 14 w/ a disk swap.
My question is on the front axles. Can the HUB assembly from a 3/4 ton bolt to the 1/2 ton spindles? and what would I need to do to the brakes if switching them also is in order?
I'm not lifting it much at all, just using it for a driver and towing my Jeep. The goal is to be able to use the same wheel if needed from either vehicle and just to do something different. I haul and tow enough to trash a 10 bolt.
If the fronts' going to be too complicated then I'll just use the D60 and get some wheel adaptors to 6-lug. Any ideas or recommendations to this swap would be good. Gear range will stay 3:73 or go to 4:10. (I've got a NEW Powerloc diff for a 30 spline D60, just sitting around waiting to be used)

[blazerboy85]

all i can say is solid axel swap FUCK ifs

[b454rat]

It's been done, but it's a PITA. Not worth all the effort just to get 8 studs over 6. SAS it and be done....might not be the cheap way, but it's the stronger and cheaper in the long run way.

[3/4ton62gmc]

8 lug hubs will not bolt up in place of the 6 lug hubs. I would say not worth the effort to convert it, its time for SAS

[Red Chevy]

Not worth, I tried it. The lower control arms and lower balljoints are the same.
The upper control arms and upper ball joints are not.
U can mount the 3/4 ton upper balljoint to your control arm but will need to drill a couple more holes.
The eight lug knuckle is taller and requires more space at the frame than the halfton knuckle so u would need to move your mounts way up.
The spline count in the unit bearin is the same, but u will need to remove the dust shield from the cv.
U possibly could get the part #'s for the bearings in the unit bearing and have the eight lug hub pressed out and install it in your half-ton knuckle.
I do remember reading a couple years back in one of the 4x mags were they were rebuilding the unit bearings, but can't remember which one.
Or u could use the adapters, but if u plan on aftermarket wheels with less backspacng than stock, u will still have problems with the halfton unit bearings.
If a straight axle is out of the ?, then seems like swapping the 8-lug hub into your knuckle would be the most dependable and easier. That is if the deminsions would allow it.

[brewchief]

Can you just have the stock 6 lug hubs and rotors redrilled to 8 on 6.5?

Brewchief

[Red Chevy]

THat is a thought, but I am not sure that there is enough material on the hub flange. Also, u would need it redrilled every time u replaced with a new unit.

[axisT6]

If you are towing and hauling enough to trash a 10 bolt, and plan to use H2 wheels and tires, then I would opt for 4.56 gears at least since the tires are 35".

[Joey D]

To much work for it to be worth it.

[Krazy Krakker]

Looks like I'm just gonna use the 60 rear and some 6lug wheel adaptors unless I can find the 6 lug simi-float 14.
I'd love to SAS the thing (I've got a D44 w/ 4:56s and a pass drop 208) but like I said, its just a daily driver and something to haul N tow my stuff with.
Thanks for the input, not as easy as I was hoping it would be.

[glenns89]

do you ever tow into soft stuff to where you really use the 4WD? You might want to consider a solid axle swap anyway. I am going to do it on my 2500HD just because I don't want to break out my tie rods while hauling out of sand or rough terrain. My vote is to dump the IFS. I know you said just a daily driver but I would think about the abuse.

[just4cuz]

Not to be too different here but if you want 8 lug, get a rear sf 14 bolt and a front IFS setup from the front spindles to the upper control arm. I have seen 3/4 ton Suburbans with the same UCA as a 1/2 ton Suburban. Then you get the eight lug, bigger brakes and if you change your rear springs to 3/4 tons and front t-bars to 3/4 ton or 1 tons its doable. Lots of this shit is interchangeable but the Pirate guys are all about SAS so you are not gonna get an educated answer from here.

[glenns89]

Originally Posted by just4cuz

Not to be too different here but if you want 8 lug, get a rear sf 14 bolt and a front IFS setup from the front spindles to the upper control arm. I have seen 3/4 ton Suburbans with the same UCA as a 1/2 ton Suburban. Then you get the eight lug, bigger brakes and if you change your rear springs to 3/4 tons and front t-bars to 3/4 ton or 1 tons its doable. Lots of this shit is interchangeable but the Pirate guys are all about SAS so you are not gonna get an educated answer from here.

That is all great info. I would do all of that if you aren't putting "too much" stress on your components. I broke my tie rod end links doing some 4 wheelin so I am a little leary. This is only because I already broke it. My truck had also been lifted for 80,000 miles. I am also doing a SAS so I can pull my own ass out if I get stuck in the Jimmy. I am just being safe and may be putting more stress than you ever will.