Going to 3/4 Ton, Need advice . . .

['86erfixer]

Found this guy on craigslist. Selling a dana 44 & 14b FF. Looks like tie rod and mounts are all on the axles. He says the rotor on the 44 (front) is worn but still has a little meat left. Also said it came off an 85 truck. Wants $250 for both. Any advice, what I need to do to prep/rebuild these for the 86 K5. I know obviously new rims (6 to 8 lug). Good price? See anything wrong w/ pics? What I need to do when I go look at them? Any help is much appreciated. Thanks yall.

http://boise.craigslist.org/pts/1417176797.html

 

[82355]

By 1985 it should be a GM 10 bolt front axle, not a Dana 44. What gears do they have? Is the rear open (that is prefered)? I'd say that is a decent buy for $250. When you get there, check how loose the pinion is.

Martin

 

['86erfixer]

I know a 44 didn't come stock on an 85. But how many 85's are
stock nowadays. So, what kind of mods were made for an 85 made that would/wouldn't work for my 86. What do u mean by look at the pinion. I'm a newb, so treat me as such. Kinda like spelling it out for a retarded kid. Thanks y'all. Also, if anything looks off in the pics. . .

 

[Avery4jc]

I'd say that's a fair deal assuming they're in decent shape internally. I spent $500 on my 14ff/10b combo with 4.10's but it was out of a running truck so I just tossed them under mine and that was that.
$250 is a good deal but assume you'll probably have to rebuild them which can add up but it's well worth it and in the end you shouldn't have more than a couple hundred bucks into parts (bearings/seals/u-joints/balljoints/brake parts) plus then you have nice fresh axles.

Ok so here's my question... do you plan on sticking with your 33-12.50's? If so I'd say this is a waste of your time/energy since 10b's will give you better ground clearance and plenty of strength. I run 35/15.50-15 TSL SX's and I wouldn't want to go any smaller while running a 14ff, it's already a big enough boat anchor.

 

['86erfixer]

Ok so here's my question... do you plan on sticking with your 33-12.50's? If so I'd say this is a waste of your time/energy since 10b's will give you better ground clearance and plenty of strength. I run 35/15.50-15 TSL SX's and I wouldn't want to go any smaller while running a 14ff, it's already a big enough boat anchor.

No no, I've got 35x13.50x15 toyo m/t's waiting to be put on. Hopefully getting a 4'' tc lift this weekend. Guy on craigs has been putting me off, so who knows . . . I would just like to get these now, and work on them while I dont really NEED them so when I do they will be ready (or close to). Should I assume they've been grenaded. Obviously, the less the $$$ the better. But I assume (and would like the experience) that they will need a little TLC. Thanks Avery


my babies

 

['86erfixer]

When I pull the diff. covers off what should I be looking for? Are their any other key areas to look at for signs of wear/nonrunning? Help anybody. . .?

 

[Big Blzn]

Here's my take. I would see if you have anyone near you or a friend that knows a bit about axles to go see them with you. Here is why I say this. You don't seem to know a lot about axles and what to really look for so a knowledgable friend can point things out to you or the seller to get a better deal. Also, I'd be leary of a guy who just throws the axles out in the dirt in his backyard. Kinda shows he doesn't take very good care of his chit. I would absolutely pop the diff covers on both axles and check the R&P to check the teeth to make sure none are chipped and the carriers and spider gears are fine. Check the numbers on the ring and be sure the gear ratios are the same for both axles as I would suspect a guy who stores axles in the dirt and doesn't give a chit could have a mixed ration pair of axles and is trying to pull a fas one on an unsuspecting buyer. Even at that good price it is not worth buying axles with diffeerent gears in them. Just be careful and aware of any and all problems that they could or do have.

 

[Avery4jc]

Ok so I had another thought after seeing your fancy new wheel/tire combo (which btw is a great looking setup, if I had the $$$ I'd have a set of those for the sand/street and save my TSL's for the rocks)...

Since your tires are already on a nice set of 6 lug wheels and you're only going up to 35's how about finding a 14sf rear end that's 6 lug and just swap that in. Even if you end up spending $500 on just the 14sf rear axle you'd come out ahead financially compared to buying new wheels and rebuilding those 3/4 ton axles.

What gears do you currently have? You could also think about buying a 14ff that's in good shape and then converting your front to 8 lug. You'd have to buy new wheels in that situation but you'd have a big full floating rear end you wouldn't have to worry about breaking.

iono, just more food for thought.