Just got a van width 14BFF! A few ?s...

[blowedupmotor87]

Well, I want to get rid of my 1.5" spacers on the rear axle (SRW currently). So, I decided to get a van width. I got one, and now I'm trying to figure out what I can do to it.

Any way (other than ribbed housing and/or tags (it has neither)) to identify year? Also, does year matter? are the parts all interchangeable?

I want it to have 4.56 gears and a Detroit, can I just transfer the guts from a CUCV 14BFF in or, are there differences?

Spare axle shafts- what are my options? Can I get aftermarket or do they have to be OEM from another van width axle?

Axle tubes- are there any strength losses when going from a SRW 14BFF to a van width? Should this be a concern?

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

 

[4X4HIGH]

All i can really offer up is that the ribbed housing started in 1988. One of the pinion bearings is larger than the 1987 and earlier 14ff but other than that everything is interchangeable with the exception of the axles (longer since van width). You could swap your gears over but you would have to check the pattern since the original pinion suppoort would be used with a different housing and the shims between the pinion support and housing will affect gear pattern. (also if you do this you will still have the early style pinion bearings).

 

[blowedupmotor87]

All i can really offer up is that the ribbed housing started in 1988. One of the pinion bearings is larger than the 1987 and earlier 14ff but other than that everything is interchangeable with the exception of the axles (longer since van width). You could swap your gears over but you would have to check the pattern since the original pinion suppoort would be used with a different housing and the shims between the pinion support and housing will affect gear pattern. (also if you do this you will still have the early style pinion bearings).

Thanks bro! Mine's a non-ribbed housing. But, I guess I'd still need to check the gear pattern?

I've got to admit, I've always been confused on this:
The shims- I understand they are there to give you proper pinion depth and proper back lash (and proper bearing preload). But, is another function to compensate for small variances between housings (and/or carriers) or, are all (housings and carriers) manufactured exact and the shims are there only for the differences in ring and pinion set-ups (from ratio to ratio). It's like, I understand how to set it up but, not why? Sorry if this question makes very little sense, it's 2:20 am here!

 

[4X4HIGH]

The shims set pinion depth while the carrier side adjusters set backlash. Pinion bearing preload is a function of the crush sleeve and has nothing to do with the shims.

 

[blowedupmotor87]

The shims set pinion depth while the carrier side adjusters set backlash. Pinion bearing preload is a function of the crush sleeve and has nothing to do with the shims.

Thanks for all the info bro!

Yup, I forgot about crush sleeves, DOH! 14BFF's use carrier side adjusters? HMM, interesting! (I've yet to take a 14BFF apart, so, I've only seen side adjusters on Yota axles and Ford 9") That's pretty cool!

So... shims- solely dealing with differences in gears? Not differences in housings? Am I understanding right?

I really need to tear into this axle! I seem to have about no clue as to what's in it!

 

[4X4HIGH]

Thanks for all the info bro!

Yup, I forgot about crush sleeves, DOH! 14BFF's use carrier side adjusters? HMM, interesting! (I've yet to take a 14BFF apart, so, I've only seen side adjusters on Yota axles and Ford 9") That's pretty cool!

So... shims- solely dealing with differences in gears? Not differences in housings? Am I understanding right?

I really need to tear into this axle! I seem to have about no clue as to what's in it!

It is kind of dealing with both actually. There is rarely two housings that are identical or two pinion supports that are identical therefor you cannot just take the pinion support and shims from one axle and install it into another axle and be correct. Very small variances between either the pinion support or housing will affect your gear pattern.

 

[blowedupmotor87]

It is kind of dealing with both actually. There is rarely two housings that are identical or two pinion supports that are identical therefor you cannot just take the pinion support and shims from one axle and install it into another axle and be correct. Very small variances between either the pinion support or housing will affect your gear pattern.

Cool deal, I gotcha! That's exactly what I was wondering, thanks for the help bro, I appreciate it!

 

[blowedupmotor87]

Okay, planning to buy a Detroit, 4.56 gears, and a complete (all the bearings and seals for the whole axle) rebuild kit, anything I need to know ordering this? Is it going to be the same stuff as any other 14BFF? Thanks!