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Quick questions on 14bsf axles

jonrpick

jonrpick

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I searched, but didn't find anything definitive...

How many varieties of the 14B semi-floater exist? What are the different widths? I read something about the 6-lug models having a slightly different bolt pattern than the 6-lug 10-bolts, and that the wheels might not fit properly.

I'm not really concerned about what will bolt in or not, as I plan to keep my freshly-built 10-bolt for now. It's not pressing.

Were they available with disc brakes?

Thanks...
 
I am unaware that the bolt pattern ever changed for the 6 lugs...the studs did, 14MM vs 7/16" for the 10 bolts, which complicates the swap if you want front/rear to match, only option I found to match is converting to 1/2" studs front and rear. The 14MM nuts cause problems on certain wheels, since they are so much larger they might not seat correctly.

Search the forums for 14SF tech, there is some info I put in this one, and others contributed. Can't recall if the widths were all covered http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=135125&highlight=14sf+tech
 
Thanks for the link... the trouble I had searching is that it's referred to in so many different ways.

14bsf, 14sf, 14b semi-floater, etc...
 
Yeah, I hate that you can't search for some of the most useful terms, like 52", 4.88, 205, etc.

There is no problem with the lug pattern, but possible issues with lug sizes, as mentioned above. Personally, I've been living with 7/16's in the front and 9/16's in the back for years and it's really not a big deal. I just need 2 different sockets for lug nuts. I have heard that some wheels don't fit on the big studs, though.

There were different widths based on brake options. There may be 4 different ones, based on the 6-lug (IFS) and 8-lug (80's) track widths and each having 2 different brake options. I gained like 2" of track width swapping 8-lug shafts out for 6-lug shafts. I think the brake mounting point is the same on all of them, so if you swap shafts and brakes together it should bolt on, but you should search the forums - someone may have found an exception. If you want to do a disc brake conversion at the same time, this is less of an issue - just set the caliper bracket spacing based on whatever you have. If you buy replacement axle shafts you may only have 1 choice of length.
 
Since the OP asked, I figure it's valid to keep the discussion going...were the 14SF's ever available with factory disks? I know I've seen a GM van with HUGE rear disks (13") and it was either a 10 bolt or a 14SF.

If I'm not mistaken, didn't the 10 bolt axle flange change to match the 14SF at some point?

Has anyone played with the GMC Savana? http://archives.media.gm.com/division/2003_prodinfo/03_gmc/03_savana/specifications.html

Looks to me like it COULD have the 14SF (and was mentioned in a previous post I saw), GM just doesn't specify. Interesting that they list the same rear disk even for apparently the 14FF?
 
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I swapped an 8 lug 80s 14bsf to 6 lug. Its was a pain in the ass tracking all the parts to do it but it can be done. I'll post up more on this when I get some time.
 
dyeager535 said:
Since the OP asked, I figure it's valid to keep the discussion going...were the 14SF's ever available with factory disks? I know I've seen a GM van with HUGE rear disks (13") and it was either a 10 bolt or a 14SF.

If I'm not mistaken, didn't the 10 bolt axle flange change to match the 14SF at some point?

Has anyone played with the GMC Savana? http://archives.media.gm.com/division/2003_prodinfo/03_gmc/03_savana/specifications.html

Looks to me like it COULD have the 14SF (and was mentioned in a previous post I saw), GM just doesn't specify. Interesting that they list the same rear disk even for apparently the 14FF?
Click to expand...

Yup, they sure do! I had a 14BSF from a half ton truck with 6 lug axles and disc brakes
 
Not to complicate things but didn't the axle width change between 2wd and 4x4's? I swear I read where a guy had scored a 2wd 14SF out of a C2500LD and to his dismay he discovered it was like 2" narrower than his original axle.
That was over a decade ago though...
 
Chevy305 said:
I swapped an 8 lug 80s 14bsf to 6 lug. Its was a pain in the ass tracking all the parts to do it but it can be done. I'll post up more on this when I get some time.
Click to expand...


Please do. As I too have an 80s 8 lug that I want to be 6 lug with disks :whistle:
 
I thought the 454SS truck was 2wd with a 5-lug 14Bs/f. Was there also a 6-lug 2WD?
 
Yeah. The 2wd C2500LD's were 6 lug. Confusled me the first time I saw one. Kept wondering why the front was so low.
 
Russell said:
Yup, they sure do! I had a 14BSF from a half ton truck with 6 lug axles and disc brakes
Click to expand...

What year was that?

Does anyone know if the distance between the axleshaft flange and "brake backing plate" flange changed over the years? (I know it's not static based on the c-clips allowing some movement, but in general) I would *think* that would have remained a standard distance, meaning that at least for 6 lug stuff, a disk swap would be easy, IF you can find a donor.

Edit: Well, here appear to be the rotors you'd need (although pic appears to be incorrect)
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/EBC5/UPR7210/01310.oap?year=2003&make=GMC&model=Savana%2B2500&vi=1440592&ck=Search_C0062_1440592_-1&pt=C0062&ppt=C0009
Backing plates (but not what the calipers bolt to):
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d...ck=Search_C0062_1440592_-1&pt=C0062&ppt=C0009
Caliper brackets:
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d...ck=Search_01260_1440592_-1&pt=01260&ppt=C0064
Caliper:
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d...ck=Search_03345_1440592_-1&pt=03345&ppt=C0066

You can get the parking brake shoe and some of the springs etc., but I can't find the actual operating mechanism for the parking brake. Based on the rotor "hat" depth, I'm guessing the rotor goes on the axle, and the deeper hat leaves room for the parking brake assembly? Based on the design of the shoe, perhaps the e-brake stuff sits on the backing plate and doesn't require an additional piece?

This all assumes that none of the dimensions critical to brake placement/fitment changed over the years.

I didn't bother adding up the cost.
 
For a play by play look at my build thread on page 36 (10/10/2009)

Having done this I will recommend just buying a whole 90s 6 lug axle and reweld the perches. It would have been much easier.
 
dyeager535 said:
What year was that?

Does anyone know if the distance between the axleshaft flange and "brake backing plate" flange changed over the years? (I know it's not static based on the c-clips allowing some movement, but in general) I would *think* that would have remained a standard distance, meaning that at least for 6 lug stuff, a disk swap would be easy, IF you can find a donor.

Edit: Well, here appear to be the rotors you'd need (although pic appears to be incorrect)
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d...ck=Search_C0062_1440592_-1&pt=C0062&ppt=C0009
Backing plates (but not what the calipers bolt to):
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d...ck=Search_C0062_1440592_-1&pt=C0062&ppt=C0009
Caliper brackets:
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d...ck=Search_01260_1440592_-1&pt=01260&ppt=C0064
Caliper:
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d...ck=Search_03345_1440592_-1&pt=03345&ppt=C0066

You can get the parking brake shoe and some of the springs etc., but I can't find the actual operating mechanism for the parking brake. Based on the rotor "hat" depth, I'm guessing the rotor goes on the axle, and the deeper hat leaves room for the parking brake assembly? Based on the design of the shoe, perhaps the e-brake stuff sits on the backing plate and doesn't require an additional piece?

This all assumes that none of the dimensions critical to brake placement/fitment changed over the years.

I didn't bother adding up the cost.
Click to expand...

2004 with a 5.3L and 4.10 gears.

The park brake shoe does indeed brake against the hat of the rotor on the inside. It is like a combination disc / drum assembly going on back there. The park brake drum is all mechanical and has a small lever that sticks out of the backing plate. The park brake cable connects to a small bracket bolted to the backing plate and runs to the lever for actuation.
 
The backing plates I linked to look like they come with a dust boot for the e-brake (I'm guessing) but I didn't see any lever.

The parking brake parts kit they sell is this http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/BHH0/H7311/03838.oap?year=2003&make=GMC&model=Savana%2B2500&vi=1440592&ck=Search_03838_1440592_-1&pt=03838&ppt=C0064 doesn't look like it includes a lever as I imagine one looking.

Does it seem likely (not certain, just theorizing) that the setup we are talking about would be a "bolt on" to any of the 6 lug 14SF's out there?
 
dyeager535 said:
The backing plates I linked to look like they come with a dust boot for the e-brake (I'm guessing) but I didn't see any lever.

The parking brake parts kit they sell is this http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/BHH0/H7311/03838.oap?year=2003&make=GMC&model=Savana%2B2500&vi=1440592&ck=Search_03838_1440592_-1&pt=03838&ppt=C0064 doesn't look like it includes a lever as I imagine one looking.

Does it seem likely (not certain, just theorizing) that the setup we are talking about would be a "bolt on" to any of the 6 lug 14SF's out there?
Click to expand...

Unfortunately not... GM changed the backing plate bolt pattern between the older drum brake and newer disc brake axles. The back spacing of the bracket is also different. That's not to say that you wouldn't be able to take a chunk of plate steel (1/2" IIRC) and cut out new brackets to weld to the diff tubes. I'd be surprised if that hardware kit had come with a new lever. I don't imagine that would be a piece that would regularly wear out.
 
Whats with everybody on here buyin new parking brake parts? I dont think ive ever used a parking brake in my life. We rip em all off around her cuz they get rusted up and seize up if you ever press em. I guess if you got a stick or park on big hills all the time ok, but come on, waste of money otherwise.
 
Adam, a lot of states require a working parking brake for inspection...
 
I never park without it. I regularly inspect the work vans in the fleet for my job. I'm blown away at how many vans I get in that don't have the brake on. Even more surprising is watching the drivers get back in after I've set it, and wonder why they can't move, then act both surprised and annoyed that someone would actually use one...

:rolleyes:

Edit:

And if your full-sized Dodge Ram Van ever had a defective parking pawl in the tranny, and said van ever popped into neutral after it had been turned off and the key removed, and started rolling down the steep driveway with you in it, having no power brakes and a now-locked steering column, you'd appreciate having a functional parking brake...

:doah: :crazy:
 
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