I'm currently facing a bit of a problem with an axle assembly swap. The 383 was too much for the old chunk. I broke the one-legger and am having a posi from an '87 police cruiser put in, but I had to go with a 5" bolt circle. My wheels (old Camaro rims which I like and have good rubber) are 4 3/4". My old axle splines are different, so that's out. I've heard of drilling the flanges for the other bolt circle, but no machine shop here seems to get it. I guess I'll have to do it myself (carefully!) Had to have the drive shaft cut too.

Any suggestions? I assume I should use the old drums and/or axles to make a template. I'd like to use my old drums and backing plates but don't know if the backing plates will work on that housing yet. I guess I can drill the drums on the "new" assembly if I have to, or just buy some. It's still in the shop now and I'm probably going to use old 5" BC steel wheels to get it home. Thanks!