Noob question, year of axle???

[sapper]

Looking at ordering a gear install kit for my 14FF, how do I tell if its a 88 or older? TIA

 

[goldwing2000]

Distance between the spring perches and design of the brake drums.

Axles from an IFS truck (88' and up pickups, except crew cab) will have wider spring perches and the drums on the outside of the hub (like a semi-float axle).

 

[4X4HIGH]

The 1988 and later housings have some webbing on the bottom side of them. The only difference in the master install kits is the inner pinion bearing is larger on the later axle and everything else is the same.

 

[CB77GMC]

Been digging for the same info myself. Best I have found sofar http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/14b_bible/index.html

 

[sweetk30]

design of the brake drums.
the drums on the outside of the hub (like a semi-float axle).

not always true. i have seen up to 96-97 with old style drums. 50/50 shot for pop off drums.

 

[goldwing2000]

K. That's good to know.

I guess the best way to ID an axle without any chance of mistakes is to pull the numbers off the top of the right side tube.
There should be a date code in there (I think) but if not, have the dealer run them.

 

[sweetk30]

K. That's good to know.

I guess the best way to ID an axle without any chance of mistakes is to pull the numbers off the top of the right side tube.
There should be a date code in there (I think) but if not, have the dealer run them.

or pop the cover and inspect it and then read the ring gear stamped # as there is a date on them if thay are origanal. get ya real close.

 

[goldwing2000]

As you implied, gears can be changed. Housings? Not so much.

Still and all, the link that CB77GMC provided gives about the best way to visually identify between early and late axles. The heavily finned center section is a dead giveaway.

 

[CB77GMC]

or pop the cover and inspect it and then read the ring gear stamped # as there is a date on them if thay are origanal. get ya real close.

Where can I find code break down ?

 

[K5MONSTERCHEV]

96 and up has a different pinion seal then the earlier years.

Do you have a picture of it? If your unsure pull it apart and check which bearing it has.

 

[u2slow]

Here's a good shot of the extra webbing on the 89+

 

[sapper]

That pic clears it right up, the axle is from Boyce so none of it but the housing is original, thanks for the input guys.