Can axles be redrilled for 1/2 studs?

[disco stu]

Or is it a better idea to get new axles?

 

[disco stu]

TTT

 

[Red Regal T]

Hey Stu.......I don't see why not. Find out the knurl size on the half inch stud and use the appropriate size drill to enlarge the stud holes and pull in the new studs. I did it on my 67 Skylark. I just moved up to stock TR metric studs which are larger than the stock Skylark A-body studs.

 

[tom h]

Wouldn't the axle have to be set up in a drill press to get an accurate hole? Any kind of portable drill tends to make a slightly oversize hole and is not too good for "pecision" drilling.

 

[disco stu]

There is no doubt that I would not take my trusty 'ol Dewalt to something that holds my wheels on, but I would definately use a drill press. I can't think why I could not do this. I am gonna give it a shot. Might possibly tap for screw in studs. I don't have the most high dollar axles around (superiors), but I hate to replace the axles just because I need to go to 1/2" studs.

 

[tom h]

You may want to consider a power, or "chucking reamer" instead of a drill bit. Reamers are intended for precise cutting of holes. Some types come in 0.001" size increments.

 

[BoostKillsStres]

I was also thinking a tapered reamer and then a finish reamer of some type would be the way to go but I know not what I'm talking about on the finish reamer but from the previous post it appears that something like that is out there.

 

[tom h]

1/2" studs = 12.7mm, seems only marginally stronger than the stock 12mm. Is it worth the effort?

 

[Red Regal T]

With a good drill bit, you'll go straight thru like butter. It's not like you'll be taking a lot of metal off. Also, you don't have to go to the right size drill right away. Might be one intermediate size bit before you get the right size. There's no way your drill is going go off on an angle.

 

[disco stu]

True. The reason I ask is I when I got my car, the rear end was refreshened, and an EATON posi was installed. But they put 28 spline axles in it with 7/16 studs in it. I am not feeling too good about it as my car ran 10.8 at 125 on a mile tune last year. I think the car has easy 10.3x in it, so I think 1/2 studs are a better idea. C Clip elims are too probably. Thanks for your input guys.

 

[ILLEGAL REGAL™]

Moser Engineering will do them fairly cheap, around $100 w/ studs.