I have a 8" from a 71 Mustang (5 on 4.5") that I want to run 5 on 5.5" bolt circle wheels. I don't want to run adapters because... a. I don't want the track any wider (the ones I've found are over an inch thick) b. They are too f$!@&ing expensive! ($215 a PAIR) I heard that the axle flange is not wide enough to re-drill, or is it? Can 9" axles be used? Is there a better way? The axle was free, so I kinda want to use it. Has anyone used f-1 brakes on an 8", or am I better off using the Mustang bits.
It's true that the axle flange diameter is not large enough to accommodate a 5.5" bolt circle. Not without some modifications anyway. I've seen axles that have had a machined ring welded to the flange to make the diameter larger giving enough "meat' for the 5.5" bolt circle.
If you can find 28 spline small bearing 5 on 5.5" axles the right length they should work in an 8". Or if you can find 28 spline large bearing 5 on 5.5" the right length, Moser sell bearings that will work in a small bearing housing. If you can't find any stock axles that will work, you can possibly get some custom axles for not much more than the adaptors.
If the axle on a bronco 9" is 5.5 you could use 2 of the same side, they are unequal length and the short one fits in a 8". A guy I know that roundy round races told me how he does this.
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