dfl701
1/2 ton status
i completely agree that this is probably not feasible but i know when i said my interest is sparked its because it would be cool to see it done right. i would never do it but thats just another way to look at it
CK5
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14 bolt in the front???
- Thread starter Roxie78
- Start date
i completely agree that this is probably not feasible but i know when i said my interest is sparked its because it would be cool to see it done right. i would never do it but thats just another way to look at it
MUDmaniac3
Registered Member
after watchin the extreme 4x4 episode i got real interested in building one. kinda thought front and rear 14 bolts would be cool so i could carry extra parts for just one axle. you don't have to keep the pumpkin centered you can just shorten one side to desired length. you can buy dana 60 inner and outer c's from a few company's but all cost about 400 and up and they are the kingpin 60 knuckles. but after you get those you will have to have inner axles made but can use any 60 outer axle. you will also need hubs, rotors, calipers, spindles, all the bearings. just some info on them. plus gears and lockers seem to be cheaper for the 14 bolt was another reason to do it i guess. i just thought it would be cool to build something no one else builds.
7387chevynut
Registered Member
I remember somebody years ago in petersons 4x4 off road magazine.........converting a 14 bolt to a front axle. Personally I think it'd be more of a hassle than anything......better off swapping in a 60 front or 70.
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Roxie78
Registered Member
This is why: 1. I have 3 spare 14bolts laying around and will probably never get used.
2. I love being different.
3. A Dana 60 goes for 1000 for a POS and up in price
from there here in Iowa.
4. I'm not worried about it being a "plow"
5. Did I mention that I like being different???
6. I don't off-road.
jkIf somebody pays $1,000 for a "POS" D60 then it was a stupid purchase, period. A good friend buys and sells used parts and vehicles on the side and make a decent chunk of change doing this, and included in these parts have been probably 20 D60 fronts of various versions in the last year or two. On the last ones he sold it took him several weeks to unload them and even got less than $1,000 out of a '78-'79 Ford HP with a recent rebuild and Detroit locker. Also keep in mind he still made a decent profit on them compared to his original purchase price.
chaser0517
1/2 ton status
Yeah, this sounds expensive....
Roxie78
Registered Member
Stupid, AGREED.. That's why I am still beating on my 44 and it has held up so far...... but I know the way I drive and built the motor so I know that those 2 combinations that I will have issues before too long. Just trying to find out new ideas....... Dana 60's just aren't very plentyful around here, don't know why?????
Thanks,
Ryan
Thanks,
Ryan
My buddy just bought a complete running '79 K30 in Fontanelle Iowa for under a grand and drove it home to Fairbury Nebraska.
Martin
Wagoneer Machine used to make 14FF fronts. Dunno whatever became of them or the axles.
Roxie78
Registered Member
Roxie78
Registered Member
So after thinking for awhile I was wondering, If I got a dana 60 out of a ford and cut the tubes off at the center section, could in theory "weld" them on the 14 bolt center section. I don't know is the difference in tube diameters of a dana 60 and a 14 bolt....... I know there's alot ford 60's around.........
You'd probably be better off having the tubes taken out and then swapped around on the Ford D60. The Ford D60's are high pinion with reverse cut gears. I'm betting that makes it nearly as strong (if not as strong as) a 14FF running backwards in the front.
Roxie78
Registered Member
well there's another way to go, that would be kinda cool too!!! 
So after thinking for awhile I was wondering, If I got a dana 60 out of a ford and cut the tubes off at the center section, could in theory "weld" them on the 14 bolt center section. I don't know is the difference in tube diameters of a dana 60 and a 14 bolt....... I know there's alot ford 60's around.........
A cheaper/easier option if you went this route would be to swap in a drivers drop t-case.
Or look for a Dodge D60...almost a bolt in.
The only parts that would interchange would be the ring and pinion and the u-joint on the yoke. The shafts wouldn't work. If you're breaking 14B r&p's it's time to step up to Rockwells.
sixb
1/2 ton status
Here's one for sale.
http://www.rockymountainextreme.com/showthread.php?t=62760
http://www.rockymountainextreme.com/showthread.php?t=62760
C&D Crew Cab
Registered Member
I'm curious (thi$ i$ when it get$ dangeruo$) what's the cheapest you can get Rockwells for?
I've seen complete trucks go for $1500. Buy the truck and sell/scrap the rest. Gotta keep on eye on the gov auctions.
MUDmaniac3
Registered Member
i don't know why but i've broke my carrier that was in my 14ff and then i've also broke a ring and pinion(4.10) i broke the ring and pinion first so i know it wasn't installed wrong because it came out of my grandpa's wrecked farm truck he bought new so idk. i just thought carryin an extra set would be a good idea cause i didn't have to good of luck with mine before but lately its been ok
rjpastor
1/2 ton status
Boyce sells 2.5 ton Rockwells for $595.00 ea. There are options. A COMPLETE conversion "kit" w/everything is $4500. Check out their website
