installing a 14 bolt

[CAROLINAK5]

questions......how do i get the measurement for my spring pads? can i measure from the plate where the backing plate attaches?
what tool do i need to measure the pinion angle for the driveshafts? can i get one localy?
will i need to alter the length of my rear drive shaft?
is there anything else you can prepare me for?
this axle came out of a 78 3/4 ton van. yes i know about the shock mounts, i plan on relocating them when i move the upper shock mount location.



when all else fails..............HIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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[dawson444]

I measured from where the backing plate was to the spring perch and kept adjusting it until I got both of them the same. You need a magnetic angle finder, lowes, harbor freight, etc. should have one. You man actually have to have your driveshaft shortened from what people told me, because the pinion on the 14 is longer, but I don't think it is that much longer. You will need the trick U joint though. I think its part number 447 from NAPA. Good luck!

Dawson
Raleigh, NC

88 K5, 6" lift, 36" TSL Radials, 14 Bolt, Rancho 9012s

 

[MudFrog]

The 14's out of Vans are wider then the ones from a pickup. So you might want to double check the actual length of the 14 bolt before you start altering the spring perch's. Don't want to go through the trouble to find out it's wrong.

89 K5 Silverado, 4", 33's, 3/4 ton axles
<a target="_blank" href=http://mudfrog.rockcrawler.com>http://mudfrog.rockcrawler.com</a>

 

[TheGeneral]

The magical number you are looking for if it is going under a K5 is 42.5 center of center pin to center pin. Have someone reputable do it and if you have lifted it, now would be a good time to have any shims removed and just have perches welded with angle in them.

If you ain't hurt, you ain't playin' hard enough.

The General

 

[SKI-'84K5]

let's say you have a blazer stock height and switch from a 10 to 14 bolt, would a 2" lift equalize the difference in pinion lengths. if not would anything else work, ie add a leaf, do jobs in 2's and seems to save money somehow

 

[BorregoK5]

The pinion on a 14bff is about 2" longer from the center of the axle tube to the center of the U-joint than a stock 12b. Your going to need more than 2" of lift to make up the difference and might still suffer a bottom out under full compression. Rotating the pinion up will shorten the distance as well if your currently running it down.

I started with nothing and I still have most of that left! - <a target="_blank" href=http://www.echobit.com:81/k5/> Pictures</a>

 

[RGF]

The 14bolt FF van rear is 70" WM to WM, the pads are 50 1/2" center to center. You could just move each one in 4".

RGF

 

[CAROLINAK5]

is it really necesary to remove the old sring pads? can't i just leave them where they are without causing any troubles?
so moving my pads 4" inches is gonna be the easiest way to get them located correctly?



when all else fails..............HIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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[TheGeneral]

The four inches in works fine if you are 50.5 now. Again, good fab man for the job as measurement of pads, on distance from outer flanges (where brakes mount) and angle of pads are importants. Good luck.

If you ain't hurt, you ain't playin' hard enough.

The General

 

[RGF]

If your using different pads I guess you could just leave the old ones on there,as far as the angle goes it all depends on amount of lift and how its lifted(flip,blocks,springs).I usually clean up the area with a sander where the pads are going and transfer a line from the front and back of the old pad, if you got a shim under truck now and your happy with the angle you could measure the fat end of the shim and move those lines the same distance as the shim measurement just make sure you go the right way!
You want 42 1/2" like the general said and it doesnt matter if you measure from the brake flange or the old pads as long as you move both the same amount.

RGF

 

[CAROLINAK5]

the truck has a 4" suspension lift...no blocks in the rear. if i lined up the pads with the original ones on there now, would my pinion angle be ok or should i move it up a few degrees?
there are no wedges under the springs on my 12 bolt.



when all else fails..............HIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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