full floater vs. sf

[TC4x4]

what is better about the ff than the sf and what is the difference in the two of them, can someone tell me what they both do, im looking at buying one for my k5. thanks

 

[KGsK5]

correct me if im wrong but the ff is def. stronger but its an 8 lug compared to the sf that is a 6... although i THINK some sf were 8 lug as well.

 

[gmc4cw]

in a full floating assembly the weight of the vehicle rides on bearings that are seperate from the axle shaft. you can pull both shafts and drive around in front wheel drive.

 

[ntsqd]

Probably find the answer in a search, but the short is this:

FF has two wheel bearings per tire and all the axle shaft has to do is transmit torque.

SF has a flanged axle (think stress riser) and one wheel bearing per tire. The axle shaft not only transmits torque, it also is what the tire in bolted to. Break the flange off the axle and the tire falls off. That sounds pretty dire & why would you even consider doing that until you realize that nearly every live axle rear wheel drive vehicle lighter than a 3/4t (& some of them too) made since the beginning of time has a SF rear axle.

 

[cbbr]

My 14bsf on a 3/4 ton is 8 lug. My 10b front is also 8 lug.

 

[jays68yak]

my 14bff is 6 lug.

 

[muddybuddy]

my 14bff is 6 lug.

dont confuse him! jay has 6 lug because he runs adaptors/spacers.

 

[bigbluesuburban]

Semi Floater vs Full Floater

First off. I have seen 14B in 6 lug and 8 lug both SF and FF versions. So lugs nuts are not the factor here.

A FF is similar in design to a front axle. The axle will still roll and operate even if the axle is busted or removed. A FF supports the weight of the vehicle on a hub assembly and the axle is only used to transmit power from the differential to the wheel.

A SF uses and axle that has a bearing integrated into it as an assembly. SO, if you break an axle you aren't going anywhere. They are inherently weaker because the weight and stresses placed on the wheels are supported by only one set of bearings, and in my experience the bearing are smaller as well.

If you are going to spend money on a rear axle for your rig.. then go 14BFF and don't even consider the SF. BUT, if you are determined to go SF I bet there is a long list of people on this forum that have them sitting around after having swapped in a FF.

 

[jays68yak]

dont confuse him! jay has 6 lug because he runs adaptors/spacers.

No adapters or spacers.

 

[uberbeans]

Semi Floater vs Full Floater

First off. I have seen 14B in 6 lug and 8 lug both SF and FF versions. So lugs nuts are not the factor here.

A FF is similar in design to a front axle. The axle will still roll and operate even if the axle is busted or removed. A FF supports the weight of the vehicle on a hub assembly and the axle is only used to transmit power from the differential to the wheel.

A SF uses and axle that has a bearing integrated into it as an assembly. SO, if you break an axle you aren't going anywhere. They are inherently weaker because the weight and stresses placed on the wheels are supported by only one set of bearings, and in my experience the bearing are smaller as well.

If you are going to spend money on a rear axle for your rig.. then go 14BFF and don't even consider the SF. BUT, if you are determined to go SF I bet there is a long list of people on this forum that have them sitting around after having swapped in a FF.

So if you upgrade to the 14ff from a 12sf is there one with the six lug axles?

 

[jays68yak]

So if you upgrade to the 14ff from a 12sf is there one with the six lug axles?

Not stock. You would have to get aftermarket hubs or find someone willing to convert the stock 8 lug hubs to 6 lug. The later is what I did. Most likly you will also have to convert to disc brakes.