14bsf ??

[72blazerguy]

Picked up a high mileage (180k) 6 lug 14bsf with right gear ratio for super cheap. Turns out the spider gears are shot. Looks like the ring and pinion are in good shape. I'm thinking put new spider gears in and new bearings since it will be apart. Don't really want to replace more than necessary.

Any reason to replace more than spiders and bearings?

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

No need to replace anything but the spiders unless you'd rather replace the spiders with a lunchbox style locker.

 

[496truck]

x2 on the lockrite or whatever.

While it's apart I would replace axle and pinion seals and clean everything out (looking for chunks of spider gears). As long as the bearings look good put it back together.

 

[Blue85]

Look it all over, but don't replace any more than you have to.

If you replace the carrier bearings, you should re-set the carrier preload and check the backlash, as you might change it. This really isn't a big deal, but...If you change the pinion bearing, you need some special tools and you get into a gray area that is kind of like setting up a ring and pinion - probably requiring a new crush sleeve.

Check out the wheel bearings. They ride directly on the axle-shaft, so if there is wear there you have to replace the whole shaft.

Oh, what kind of rig is it going in? You're aware of the different frame rail spacing for the 14b s/f 6-lug and older 8-lug versions, right?

 

[72blazerguy]

Oh, what kind of rig is it going in? You're aware of the different frame rail spacing for the 14b s/f 6-lug and older 8-lug versions, right?

Its was planned to go in a 91 K5. I am aware of the spring perch's needing to be moved. Not an issue. The wms is about the same.

I was planning on replacing bearings since it appears that something must be worn to ruin the small spider gears (larger gears look good). I don't want to replace stuff twice. Is there a bearing that would cause the small spider gears to pit? Gears aren't chipped, but the pitting looks pretty serious and alot of fine stuff was stuck to the magnet in the bottom.

The bearing install kit from Randy's R&P comes with a new crush sleeve.

I was planning on pulling the axle shafts and checking the wheel bearings and taking a look at the brakes as well.

I have some time as this is really supposed to be my winter project.

 

[eagle mark]

The wheel bearings are most important. Spider gears can be replaced or luch box locker does the same.

For the wheel bearings look for the axle saver type. They move the bearing surface and seal outwards to a new surface on the axle!

 

[72blazerguy]

Was cleaning the axle up a bit today and noticed the wheel studs are bigger. Looks like a 9/16 instead of 7/16. More research, I thought this was move the spring perches and shock mounts and everything else worked.

 

[driney]

The studs are larger, but they should work with your current wheels. I was able to find lug nuts to fit the larger studs that used the same socket as my 7/16" studs on the front.

 

[jekquistk5]

get out the welder, and weld that sob up

 

[DeviousK5]

For the wheel bearings look for the axle saver type. They move the bearing surface and seal outwards to a new surface on the axle![/quote]




Those are pretty much a band-aid. The bearings in them are not only narrower but they use a goofy , non off-the shelf seal, and the "housing/holder" for the whole damn things tend to leak betwwen them and the housing. For the price of a new shaft: typically100$ vs a $35 POS band aid fix bearing.

 

[72blazerguy]

The studs are larger, but they should work with your current wheels. I was able to find lug nuts to fit the larger studs that used the same socket as my 7/16" studs on the front.

Do you remember where you sourced these? Guy at the parts house didn't have a clue when I asked about conversion lug nuts. My wheels will fit, but I don't want 2 different sizes of lug nuts.

get out the welder, and weld that sob up

Good cheap idea, but don't want to run a Lincoln locker in this rig.

 

[JDNobodi]

Was cleaning the axle up a bit today and noticed the wheel studs are bigger. Looks like a 9/16 instead of 7/16. More research, I thought this was move the spring perches and shock mounts and everything else worked.

The wheel studs should be 14mm. (88 and up)

 

[driney]

Do you remember where you sourced these? Guy at the parts house didn't have a clue when I asked about conversion lug nuts. My wheels will fit, but I don't want 2 different sizes of lug nuts.

I went to my tire shop. Mine are chrome, and I have better luck with the ones from the tire shop than from the parts store. They might have been cheaper too.

 

[stumpbuster]

get out the welder, and weld that sob up

couldnt agree moar

 

[Blue85]

I run different lug nuts front and rear. It has never bothered me. Most wheels work fine with 14mm or 9/16. Personally I would look into upgrading the front from 7/16, rather than downgrading the back. I know that people have gotten 1/2" up there, but I'm not sure yet what 9/16 stud would work in front.