8-lug swap

Transmissions, Rear Diff, etc.
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8-lug swap

Unread post by 7d6 Travco » Fri Mar 14, 2014 8:30 pm

Anybody here ever convert from 5-lug to the 8-lug set-up? Ran across a guy with the remains of a '78 Georgie Boy Country Aire 25 footer, has the Dana 70 rear and discs up front- it is a 440-powered M chassis, he isn't sure if it's M-400, 450 or 500. Before I invest any time in going down to look, does anybody know if this is a viable swap to my M-500 chassis 320?

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Travco Model: 1975 270,1974 220
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Re: 8-lug swap

Unread post by Acesneights » Sat Mar 15, 2014 4:09 pm

The first gen 270's were 8 lug but the brake assmblys are larger on the later 270. It has dual wheel cyls and larger shoes/drums.\nThe calipers look the same from what I can tell as well as the master cyl. I think the real difference it the rears although I am basing this on the 270/M500 vs 220 M300
1977 Travco 270 Elite\n1974 Travco 220 Parts unit

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Re: 8-lug swap

Unread post by 7d6 Travco » Sat Mar 15, 2014 5:43 pm

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/pts/4 ... ml\n\n\nIf you click on this, this is a possible 'swap' candidate. But have to make sure the brakes are equal to what I have- if you think the ad is written in a 'creative' manner, you should talk to the guy...start asking questions and he starts getting a bit screwball, insulting. But I can get everything for $600, sell the powertrain and re-coop most everything I'd spend on it.

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Re: 8-lug swap

Unread post by 77Travco » Tue Mar 18, 2014 5:20 pm

If it has a Dana 70 out back and Disc's up front then that should be in the same weight category. If the generator works, I would go for it for $600.

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Re: 8-lug swap

Unread post by 7d6 Travco » Tue Mar 18, 2014 6:55 pm

I'll have to get a definitive answer- might give a call to a brake supply place and see the sizing and parts numbers. Figure the shoes' & pads would be the same, but the drums & rotors would be different P/N's.

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Re: 8-lug swap

Unread post by Acesneights » Thu Mar 20, 2014 4:47 pm

Shoes are definitely bigger on the 270. I had both side by side.
1977 Travco 270 Elite\n1974 Travco 220 Parts unit

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Re: 8-lug swap

Unread post by Dave78Chieftain » Sat Mar 14, 2015 9:07 am

What you are actually asking in this thread is:\nCan I convert my heavier weight rated M500 chassis over to the lighter weight rated M400 or even less rated M300 chassis? Do you really want to do that?\nI have a 27ft WInnebago Chieftain on the M400 chassis. It is pushing the limits of the M400 chassis.\n\nFor 74 and later:\nDodge M300/M400 used the 8 lug wheels\nDodge M500/M600 used the 5 lug wheels.\n\nDave

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Re: 8-lug swap

Unread post by 7d6 Travco » Sat Mar 14, 2015 9:20 am

Mine is a 320, 19.5" rims. I'd want to convert 'like-for-like,' so I thought the later '70's M-500 & M-600 may have the 8-lug. Definitely don't want to make the brakes smaller on it!

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