Are there any tips to drilling axle shafts for larger wheel studs?

[thedude327]

I was wondering if it would be better to drill out the axles for larger wheel studs or go with aftermarket axles? I am looking to upgrade the wheel studs from 7/16" to 1/2" and am looking for some opinions.

Thanks in advance
Paul

[chicane]

Sure... make sure you get the 'interfearence fit' correct for the knurl size you are upgrading to.

Although... depending on the rear differential you are using... a set of aftermarket KA axles (Tom's Differentials) or the like... are hard to beat for the price and re-newed reliability/durability are worth the expense for most. I guess it would really come down to what the bearing surfaces look like on your current axles.

[Tom.A]

I would find a rear end builder to do them for you. With the right tools it can be done quick. I think I paid $50.00 for Currie to press out/install new studs and that included drilling out the holes. I first tried a couple of local machine shops and only one would try it....I quickly realized he was gonna jack the axles up and said maybe I better wait. IMO spend the extra money and have a pro do it.

[Mick Mc]

Very interested.

I need my 5/8 studs installed into my 12 bolt axles, so any concrete information would be helpful.


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Mick

[thedude327]

Thanks for the info. , I called a local gear shop and they said that they'd do it for $50-75 . Looks like provided the axle shaft bearing surfaces are ok , then this is an inexpensive way to upgrade the wheel stud size. I believe that this price was for the drilling only, not the cost of the studs, but I'll have to check that.

Thanks
Paul

[gearheads78]

Find a machine shop to do it. I learned the how hard the axles are to drill when I wore out 2 bits before I had finished my 3rd hole. $75.00 at the machine shop well spent.

[MarkM66]

I've seen post where people just tap out the 7/16" holes for 1/2" threads, and use button head bolts as their wheel studs.

[68protouring454]

its very easy to drill out, its all in the proper drill size, and also having enough meat to drill, not too little so it wipes the bit out quick.
jake

[daytonayellaz]

I did mine at home, pressed them out with a bench mounted vice and a socket, had a helper to hold the axle. Drilled the holes and pressed them in with my impact gun and a few old lug nuts with large fender washers under them.

[thedude327]

If your drilling out for larger wheel studs and using the press in studs, what amount of interference fit do you need between the knurl of the stud and the new hole? Is there a spec. for this?

Thanks again for any replies
Paul