14 semi float bolt question

[thebluemax]

Would it be easier to try and swap in a six lug SF 14 bolt out of 93 Z71 or try and find a eight lug SF 14 bolt out of a similiar body style truck and try to convert it to six lug? This would be going into an 84 K10. My skills at fabrication are mediocre?at best.

I have a set of rims that I really would like to keep is my only reason for wanting to stay six lug.

 

[blazin' j]

imo, six lug anything would b a waste as opposed to 8 lug...i purchased a set of 5 15x8 cragar soft 8's bout a yr ago for my 86 k5 before i swapped my one tons, now i have no use for them except to sell...but i also have a set of 15" & 16" 8 lugs so im a lil biased...id say jus save ur money for a set of 8 lugs n swap n a ff 14 bolt...

 

[loafer]

My opinion is that it would be easier to move the spring perches on a 6-lug. Here is what I went through to swap shafts:
http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=170383

Chevy305 also did this swap:
http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181502&page=8
post # 353

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[Blue85]

The answer to your question is: yes, it can be done just like you say. But, if the 6-lugger has good brakes, it's probably easier and cheaper to move the spring perches. If you will be buying drums or doing a disc converion, then swapping the parts starts to make sense. If you can find the parts cheap, then by all means do it.

 

[thebluemax]

I've got the six lug 14 bolt under a Z71 in my parents driveway. I figure I might be able to find a 10 bolt out of a 88-98 pickup to put it in its place for relatively cheap.

I don't know what gearing it has but I know it has a some type of diff lock in it. Probably a positrac type I'd assume?

 

[JDNobodi]

Reweld the spring perches. That way you can set your pinion angle where you want it. If you don't trust your welding skills, tack the perches in place and take the rear end to somebody who can weld.

If the rear has a factory limited slip, there is good chance it is gov lock.

 

[thebluemax]

How do you set up the pinion angle?

Are the gov lock's decent? This isn't going to be hardcore truck, just a hauler/toy/daily driver on occasion?

 

[dhcomp]

How do you set up the pinion angle?

Are the gov lock's decent? This isn't going to be hardcore truck, just a hauler/toy/daily driver on occasion?

The 14bolt gov locks arent' horrible. Its the 10bolt ones that suck.

 

[JDNobodi]

Buy an angle finder at the local hardware store. Reused or buy new spring perches and shock mounts. Most people just set the perches on the axle and do a mock install. They make sure the axle centered and the pinion angle where they want it. They then weld the axle in place.
I usually do a bunch of measurements off the old housing and do the changes I need to do.

 

[Chevy305]

My opinion is that it would be easier to move the spring perches on a 6-lug. Here is what I went through to swap shafts:
http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=170383

Chevy305 also did this swap:
http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181502&page=8
post # 353

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I agree... The conversion can be done, but from my experience with it, I have determined that moving the perches would be easier.