Axle Question

[buffcc1]

I have decided to obtain a gm 14 bolt from a junk yard for 200. The guy says he has like 10 of them. What should i inspect to make sure i am getting a good product(in good working order). Also can someone suggest a good front end for a decent price. Thanks

 

[73k5blazer]

Pull the diff cover and inspect for chips, excessive rust etc. Being able to turn the drums is a bonus, but don't be too worries if that doesn't happen, they rust up very quickly, at least here in MI, mabey down there's a different story.

 

[trailblazr81]

Like what wuz already mentioned. Also when pulling the cover check if its open or has a limited slip. I would stay away from crappy GM "posi" and find an open carrier so later you can drop in a locker. 14 bolts are EASY to throw a locker in. And they are usually cheaper.

 

[buffcc1]

What about an axle for the front end?

 

[b454rat]

What do you plan on doing with the truck?? If just keeping it simple you could get a Dana 44 or a 10 bolt. Either are pretty common, and will hold up to moderate power and sneaker size. Go bigger either way and stuff will start breaking. If you want more, then you will need a Dana 60. Be prepared to spend some money here. I've found close to 10 60s in all, and don't think I spent over a grand buying all of them. But if you go to a yard, or a seller that knows what they have, you could pay a grand for one axle. I tend to build everything overkill. I have a 454 in my truck, 36s, and 60 front and 14ff rear. I could very easiely get away with 1/2 tons stuff. I haven't done anything hard yet to warrant 1 tons, but when I do I know I won't break anything.

 

[trailblazr81]

Save your $$$ and search junkyards n such for a Dana 60. A Dana 44HD will have the same lug pattern but you want a 60!! You will evenually break a 10 bolt, but since its different bolt pattern dont bother. Pretty much same for a Danna 44, tho its somewhat stronger than GM 10 bolts.

 

[mrhoes]

what junk yard do you go to? The one I go to has a bunch of blazers and GM stuff

 

[midnitewarya]

When your looking for the 14 bolt, be carefull what year you get. If you ever plan on doing discs, you want an early design 14 bolt. You can tell the early from late model designs by looking at the pumkin. Early is smoothed and late model has a ribbed pumpkin. You can get a late model "ribbed" 14b that will take discs if it came off a 2500 3/4 and has the "press on" style hubs.

Also, late model 14 bolts will not bolt up to the K5's. If you get one of those you will have to cut/grind the spring and shock plates. A PAIN IN THE A$$!

Here's mine fresh from the yard. I pulled a 1998 3/4 ton. I went with this because it just happened to be an oped diff, it had real low miles, and it was cheaper than the other already pulled 14 bolts.

Al