Axle upgrade!

[hammermachine]

Trying to get info into just how much work is required in upgrading my axles from 10 bolts to D60 front and 14 bolt rear. Is it just fashion upgrading my axles since I only wheel about six times a year. Currently I only plan to run 35's and where I wheel is mostly rock and mud. So the question is do I spend money on the upgrade or should I spend the$$ on a newer engine?

 

[MTBLAZER89]

If you are going to stick with 35's and don't really wheel hard then A 60/14 swap may be a little overkill for you. The 10b rear is really the only questionable part. If you leave it open and don't drive stupid it will probably last for a long time.

On the other hand a 14BFF and matching 8 lug front may be more practical for you. The front is fine with 35's and the 14B is a great upgrade. The only downside is the loss of clearance. Swap could be done for less than the price of getting new gears for your half ton stuff which is another upgrade that will save your tranny.

 

[hammermachine]

Axles!

Yeah the loss of clearance is also a issue. I don't remember what gears are in the rear, it came with a limited slip, so I installed the powerlock in the front instead. I really haven't had any issues with the 10 bolts.

 

[MTBLAZER89]

Then carry spare shafts and keep on running them Good maintenance will go a long ways as well.

 

[dfl701]

What kind of engine would you get? I would invest in a nice engine and get a 14FF rear. Or maybe even try to find a six lug 14 SF. You would need to regear the front most likely but you could keep your rims you have now.

 

[hammermachine]

Engine

As far as my engine, it's a little long in the tooth, with 196,000+ on it. It's fine right now but I forsee a engine swap probably this year sometime. More likely a 350 crate, just to keep it simple.

 

[496truck]

You could find a donor rusted out K20 with 10b front and 14b semi floater rear (aka 3/4 tons), prob with better gears than your stock 10b's. Could get the matched set cheap and bolt right in, just change wheels to 8 lug. Switch your front locker over to the new axle and save the shafts as spares. Then make some $$ back scrapping the donor truck.

This is my current plan as I was staying with 35s as well. Dragged home a K20 with 4:10s in the axles for free. Ripped the axles out which are now sitting in the garage awaiting seals and brakes and fluid and when that's done I will have an axle AND gear upgrade at the same time fairly cheap. I even saved the stock 8 lug 16" alloys cause they were decent, just need to get some tires. And a lift kit.

 

[stumpbuster]

im right here in ct and sellin my 3/4 tons for $250 for the set.
8 lug, 1 ton brakes, 4.10's, posi front/rear, new seals, fresh oil, super clean and in excellent condition,

 

[garydan]

I voted Hell Yeah... go with the 60 & 14 bolt... because that is what I'm doing and I really don't need it. I call my truck "Project Overkill". I live in Florida so all we have down here is a little mud. I did however need to get rid of the 3.08's in the stock axles. So instead of regearing, I found the 1-tons in the right gears.

 

[496truck]

im right here in ct and sellin my 3/4 tons for $250 for the set.
8 lug, 1 ton brakes, 4.10's, posi front/rear, new seals, fresh oil, super clean and in excellent condition,

THAT'S A DEAL RIGHT THERE! Not far from NJ and well worth that price. If I had the extra cash I'd be drivin out to CT right now.