14 Bolt SF Question

[rlauer]

I have just purchased a 1989 Suburban that I am in the process of modifying. My intent with the vehicle is to do a 4" lift, 34" tires, install a 383 with about 450 hp/450 tq. Right now I have a 10 bolt rear, but have an opportunity to purchase a 14 bolt semi floater and the accompanied 3/4 ton front axle. Will these axles handle moderate to slightly aggressive street driving with minimal offroad (no rock crawling or mud pit crossing)? Any guidance would be very appreciated.

Thanks,

Rob

 

[jeff in co]

What gears do you have and what gears are the 14 bolt? Assume it's a 6 lug to match your existing 1/2 ton bolt pattern? For 35" tires that would be a nice strengthening adder.....

 

[rlauer]

There are 4.10 gears actually in both what I have now and in the 14 bolt. The proposed axles are actually 8 lugs so I will be getting new wheels and tires.

Thanks,

Rob

 

[sweetk30]

if me i would just find a 6 lug 14semi floater from a 88-up 1500 with tow package or light duty 6 lug 2wd and swap that with 4.10 gears and keep the 6 lug you have now if you realy dont want new rims.

14sf is still a C clip axle also as 10/12 bolts.

otherwise yes semi float 14 bolt is good axle over 10/12 bolt. but over the years i have seen a few with carrier bearing fail on 1 side. so pull the cover and check them for play or reman will be in order to start.

but if set on 8 lug and dont want to ever basicly need to fix any problems find the big 14ff rear and shave 1.25" from the bottom by matching the diff housing to the cover lip and be done with it.

 

[496truck]

You can switch both axles out to the 8 lug and get one more benefit, bigger brakes. They certainly help bring down those larger tires easier.

I did the same swap to my K5, what a great bolt on that was.