14b 9.5" Semi-Floating axles worth while or not?

[Daddy Rabbit]

Hello Gentlemen,
I've been reading around the posts regarding axles and it seems to me that the concensus is that 14bff 10.5" axles are very good replacements for 10b/10b axles. My question is: Would swapping in a set of 14b 9.5" semi-floating (rather than "FF") axles be a worthwhile upgrade from the 10b/10b setup in my 91 K5? I have found an apparently sound 3/4 ton rolling chasis w/like-new 4" suspension lift and the aformentioned 14b 9.5" semi-floating axles housing 4.10 gears for very small coin. Should I take the deal, or hold out for a set of 14bff 10.5" axles?
Any input is greatly appreciated...
Many sincere thanks,
Denny

 

[lectric80]

First question you need to ask yourself is how big are the tires you plan to run?

One thing to remember is the 14bff is a rather large boat anchor. It can be shaved to increase the clearance, but it still requires more tire to get that diff above the ground.

If you are going to be sticking in the 35-37" range, the 14bsf is a good axle with very strong axles, about the same size axle as the ff version. Either axle is a major strength upgrade over your existing 10b, it is more a matter of preference. The primary difference, besides the ring gear diameter, is that the ff won't lose a wheel should an axle break, while the sf c-clip version will. However, with the axles being basically the same diameter, unless you are really running beefy tires (unlikely with a 4" lift), the sf's strength is plenty.

Another thing to remember, the 3/4 ton setup uses a 10b front with 8 lug outers, same front axle you currently have. The 14bff from a 3/4 ton will work in your Blazer with no modification, while a 1 ton version is going to require moving spring plates.

Not sure if you realized that the front axle doesn't change with the 3/4 tons, and there isn't a stock 14b front axle. The heaviest duty front axle that is a direct bolt in would be a D60, but they are rarer, more expensive (usually), and only in the 1 ton trucks or 5/4 ton military trucks (not military Blazers).

 

[Daddy Rabbit]

OUTSTANDING answer!! Thank you very much... D

 

[Chevy305]

Ya the 14bsf is definately worth it. If you have a deal, jump on it.

 

[cabledawg]

/hijack

So what about the D44 front? I picked up a 14bsf and a D44 matched set to put in the Burb. I plan on running a max tire size of 35", but these were more to change the R2500 Burb to V2500. Any upgrades to the D44 that are worthwhile?

hijack\

 

[Ten_Bucks]

Another thing to consider is if you want to keep using wheels with a 6x5.5" bolt pattern then you can use a 6 lug 14 bolt SF. I think it will require moving spring perches on that axle to get it to work in a K5 though because the 6 lug 14 SF is only available in the '88-up Chevy pickups IIRC.

Scott

 

[SkulzNBonz]

/hijack

So what about the D44 front? I picked up a 14bsf and a D44 matched set to put in the Burb. I plan on running a max tire size of 35", but these were more to change the R2500 Burb to V2500. Any upgrades to the D44 that are worthwhile?

hijack\

Molly axleshafts and the high strength u-joints @ the knuckle. The u joints come from a few different manufacturer's IIRC.

John