14 bolt swap

[HeavyMetal72]

Hello, I'm looking for info on swapping in a 14 bolt under my 72K5. I have a 14 bolt out of a 73 Suburban that is a little shorter, but if I relocate the spring perches it should be fine. Anyone done this swap lately that could give me some input.
Thanks.

 

[70jimmy]

did mine bout 3 years ago. just cut off the old perches and in my case the shock mounts. Hung my new springs and put the axle underneath. Then I put everything together with my new perches, centered the axle and assembled including u-bolts, tightened down and triple checked measurements using center of pumpkin to springs, with vehicle weight on the axle and then tacked the perches in place in several spots. Checked everything again. then dis-assembled and pulled axle out to full weld the perches.

Then put the shock mounts where I wanted them.

 

[HeavyMetal72]

Thanks for the info. Did you have any problems with the axle being a little shorter.....as far as clearance with the tires or anything like that?

 

[Yukon Jack]

You will also need a conversion u-joint. I've got a 78 3/4 ton's 14 bolt in my K5 and the width is fine.

 

[HeavyMetal72]

Thanks, I've got the u-joint, so I should be set to go. Thanks to all that responded, it has helped take the doubt of the axle fitting away.

 

[70jimmy]

No width issue for me but then I swapped both front and rear at the same time. I believe mine were from like an 87 blazer, they were not in anything when I picked them up.

 

[HeavyMetal72]

I picked up the front axle, too. It's an 8 lug D44, which I plan to use until I can afford to find/rebuild a D60. Had to put more than I wanted to in the 14 bolt, but the D44 was in pretty good shape, so it do for a couple of years.
Thanks for your response.