14sf vs 14ff

[exodus]

im soon to buy a used truck that has an np205 th400 dana 60 and 14sf my question is will the 14sf be as durable as a 14ff. are the non full floating as good as full floating untill it breaks and the axle falls out /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif or are there strength differances?

 

[TopOff]

I believe the 14ff has a little larger axle than the 14sf.

IIRC It's like comparing 35 spline to a 32 spline. I don't know of anyone who has broken a 14sf axle yet. But knowing my luck, I will probably be the first... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

The biggest issue with most people here is the pin (or a C-clip) breakage on the 14sf. Again, I haven't heard of anyone breaking this yet.

 

[Mr.Chevy4x4]

I have broken a 14sf before, and let me be the first to say it sucks! I was attempting to pull a new F350 4x4 out of a snow bank. I was up on the pavement and once my tires had burned through the ice and got good traction I heard a loud pop. I got out and looked but couldn't see anything. I told the guy to dig out some more and I would be back. I got about 50 yards down the road and the right rear hit the ground. /forums/images/graemlins/eek.gif Learned my lesson on 14sf that day, but fortunately the truck was still under warranty.


Mike

 

[TopOff]

CRAP!

Did the axle break? Or the pin/C-clip

If you recall? thanks.

I have been wondering if I should carry an extra C-clip/pin and/or rear axles.

 

[Mr.Chevy4x4]

It was the axle right where the splines start.

Mike

 

[jac6695]

My brother and I used 14sf for many years on our trucks with 35's and never had any problems off road. I did break two axles- one power braking in double low and another after I went to 38's doing burnouts on the street. We were surprised they held up so well to our big blocks and fullsize trucks. It was nice to have the extra ground clearance.

 

[TopOff]

I know the 14SF narrow down at the splines, hence the break at the spline. IIRC the 14FF don't narrow down.

I would be interested if anyone knows the true axle diameter between the two.

TIA
TO

 

[exodus]

sounds like you guys are kinda harsh on your rigs power braking with a doubler and 38 inch burnouts i was mainly gunna use it for mud with 39.5 tsl's
im currently useing 4.11 geared 12 bolt d44 front and rear with no problems at all but with the tire increase i wanted more beef for a little security /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
im going to go for the SF version and hope for the best /forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif

and if i remember correct shock is the best way to destroy an axle /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
/forums/images/graemlins/k5.gif

 

[aksidentproan]

Are you going to be getting rid of both axles? I'd like to have the gears out of them or at least the 12 bolt if thats all you're swaping. Thanks.

Evan

 

[TrcksR4ME]

I think the 14SF is not going to have he beef you expect. Because of the C-clip design, the overall strength is not much greater than a 12 bolt axle. The carrier and ring gear will be more stout, but if you break an axle shaft, your screwed.

I would think about upgrading to a 14ff, esp if you are running big tires. You will likely never have any problems with it, which is something you cannot say about a 14sf.

 

[TopOff]

I don't think a 14sf can handle 39.5s

Good luck.

 

[muddysub]

</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
I think the 14SF is not going to have he beef you expect. Because of the C-clip design, the overall strength is not much greater than a 12 bolt axle.

[/ QUOTE ] excuse me!? i'm sorry but a 14sf is a lot stronger than a 12b, my suburban has been jumped 3 times on it's 14sf and 36" TSLs and not ONE problem yet! lets do that to a 12b on a suburban and see what happens.

 

[TrcksR4ME]

Why chance it. Maybe you got lucky. When/if it does break you will be stranded.

And you are only as strong as your weakest link. The housing and gears may be stronger, but that don't mean sh** if you tire falls off.