ok so i understand that you can't fit a 5 lug axel in a 4 lug rear...but what if you change the third member(pumpkin) would that work, b/c i dont necessarily care that i dont have 5 lug, but it would be nice to get some cragars on my mav...
No. The ends of the axle tubes are smaller. Edit: You might find some adapters for 4 lug to 5 lug... It may be possible to drill your axles for the 5 lug pattern... I don't know for sure. Would have to swap to a 5 lug drum too. Could use a 5 lug rear from a Granada, Monarch, Maverick, Comet...
Yes. It is the bearing that seats into the end of the axle tubes that is bigger on 5 lugs. There was a discussion in another thread recently about it may be possible to order a bearing with the ID of a 5 lug bearing and the OD of the small axle tube. I don't know where that discussion ended up. Sounds like a good idea. Just because the factory didn't use that bearing, it is surely made for some application. You would have to carry the measurements to a store that specializes in commercial/industrial bearings. They would just look the sizes up in the big book and get a part number.
i have been told.. you can get bearings to fit the 5 lug axles to fit into a 4 lug housing... but not completely sure
Also,the 4 bolt pattern on the end of the housing that hold the axle and backing plates is different than the 5-lug.4 lug rear is also wider(because the brakes are narrower,still the same track as 5 lug)so IF you adapted the 5-lug brakes you would increase your rear track about 1"-1.5".I've already tried to change one over,bite the bullit & put in a whole 5-lug rear.
