chevyin
1/2 ton status
Hey guys. I have a 1973 K5 Blazer. Im switching out the 12bolt/Dana44 for a 14boltFF/Dana60 combo out of a 1984 chevy 1-ton4x4 (K30...?). Ive recently come to the realization my 84 axles have the wrong spring perch spacing. IIRC the 14bolt has 41 to 41-1/2" spacing while the 12bolt we took off has a 42" spcing and the truck seems to have about 43". I realize the perches need to be ground off and re-welded, my questions are this:
1) Is there is a simlar problem in the front switching out to the Dana60? Everything Ive read suggests its a direct swap, but again until recently I thought the 14bolt in the rear was too. If there is a difference, Im not sure what the fix will be as the spring literally bolts to the D60's housing in one place (rather than the 4th U-bolt), so Im assuming its a direct bolt-on replacement, but is my assumption correct?
2) My other question is about shock placement. From researching here, Im understanding I also need to relocate my shock mounts. First off, can anyone confirm this? Second, since Im moving the shock mounts anyway (I assume), should I be doing anything... special? Ive considered dual shocks, since Im mounting a new bracket anyway. I figure thats alot of the hard work either way, why not go duals, or mount them in a more ideal location/position. I have to admit I like the dual shocks in the back in the V position, seems it would help wheel hop/axle wrap maybe, and perhaps towing. Or maybe just singles... but then should I move them to the stock location... or something else? Any insight in these areas would be appreicated.
3) Pinion angle. Im putting an 8" Skyjacker spring lift in the truck also. The springs came with little angle blocks at the bottom, I assume for compensating pinion angle. Is this angle exactly what I need to set my pinion angle back to where it should be (assuming stock t-case location... which mine isn't... but for simplicity of the discussion here)..? Should I consider setting my pinion angle via relocation of the spring perches instead, or just use this angle block? I must add Im also changing out th drivetrain, including the engine, tranny and t-case, and will be ordering new driveshafts once its all together and measurable, so while setting pinion angle by the perches seems like a more elegant solution than a shim block, it also adds a complication of timing in that I need this put together to change over to the 'drive-train sub-project' (who knew finding a good deal on 1-ton axles at the local junkyard would turn into a project of this complexity lol). In short, I need some expert guidance to send me down the right path at this point.
4) Should I figure on re-using the stock spring perches, or should I look into something aftermarket? Same with the shock mounts. If going dual, obviously I'll have to get some sort of brackets (or make them), I assume ORD or someone makes some good brackets for this? What about if I should go single shocks, stock brackets relocated, or some aftermarket ones(if there is such a thing)..?
Basically that's it. If you've made it this far into the post, thankyou. lol
If you guys can answer any or all of those questions, or if you see where Im coming from here and have any advice, I would appreciate it. TIA.
And keep Chevyin.
1) Is there is a simlar problem in the front switching out to the Dana60? Everything Ive read suggests its a direct swap, but again until recently I thought the 14bolt in the rear was too. If there is a difference, Im not sure what the fix will be as the spring literally bolts to the D60's housing in one place (rather than the 4th U-bolt), so Im assuming its a direct bolt-on replacement, but is my assumption correct?
2) My other question is about shock placement. From researching here, Im understanding I also need to relocate my shock mounts. First off, can anyone confirm this? Second, since Im moving the shock mounts anyway (I assume), should I be doing anything... special? Ive considered dual shocks, since Im mounting a new bracket anyway. I figure thats alot of the hard work either way, why not go duals, or mount them in a more ideal location/position. I have to admit I like the dual shocks in the back in the V position, seems it would help wheel hop/axle wrap maybe, and perhaps towing. Or maybe just singles... but then should I move them to the stock location... or something else? Any insight in these areas would be appreicated.
3) Pinion angle. Im putting an 8" Skyjacker spring lift in the truck also. The springs came with little angle blocks at the bottom, I assume for compensating pinion angle. Is this angle exactly what I need to set my pinion angle back to where it should be (assuming stock t-case location... which mine isn't... but for simplicity of the discussion here)..? Should I consider setting my pinion angle via relocation of the spring perches instead, or just use this angle block? I must add Im also changing out th drivetrain, including the engine, tranny and t-case, and will be ordering new driveshafts once its all together and measurable, so while setting pinion angle by the perches seems like a more elegant solution than a shim block, it also adds a complication of timing in that I need this put together to change over to the 'drive-train sub-project' (who knew finding a good deal on 1-ton axles at the local junkyard would turn into a project of this complexity lol). In short, I need some expert guidance to send me down the right path at this point.
4) Should I figure on re-using the stock spring perches, or should I look into something aftermarket? Same with the shock mounts. If going dual, obviously I'll have to get some sort of brackets (or make them), I assume ORD or someone makes some good brackets for this? What about if I should go single shocks, stock brackets relocated, or some aftermarket ones(if there is such a thing)..?
Basically that's it. If you've made it this far into the post, thankyou. lol
If you guys can answer any or all of those questions, or if you see where Im coming from here and have any advice, I would appreciate it. TIA.And keep Chevyin.
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I know dual shocks stiffen the ride, but I wonder if it would be bad just doing the rear. Like I said before, I like the idea of the V duals as it seems it would help with axle wrap/wheel hop/etc (maybe...?). And honestly, Im not sure a stiffer ride would be abad thing. Ive been in some lifted trucks with some pretty nasty sway to them before. I dont know, cant decide what to do here. lol I have the Skyjacker Nitro shocks now, you guys think Id be better off going with single shocks and just upgrading to some nicer external reservoir units later on?
