rear axle K5

[brans87]

Little worried about my K5 and looking for input! I did rear brakes tonight in drive way and when adjust shoes I heard noise from rear axle. This is a 87 K5 and wondering should I just ditch it or keep putting $ into it and time? I want a 14 bolt but then comes new wheels and then have to swap front over to 8 lug. I have new rotors,new hubs,wheel bearings,ball joints and G2 spindles,pads and calipers up front. Not sure which way to go he and never cut/welded axle perches on. So what do you think I should do?

 

[The Griff]

What kind of noise? Because my 10 bolt has started making some noise as well, its like a metal on metal "ting/tink", and it's amplified with the hubcaps on.
I'm not sure what mine is, and I'd really like to know.

 

[brans87]

if jacked up and spin with drum on or off sounds like a bearing noise like outer bearings.

 

[brans87]

found 14 bolt F/F for $120 but needs perches and shock mounts moved and The spring perches are about 40"-40.5" and the wheel mount surface is about 67" with no brake hardware or a 78 3/4 ton(14 bolt) with 3:73 gear ratio. New brake shoes, wheel cylinders, and inner axle seals for $250 both hour away.

 

[brans87]

Whoa surprised no one has spoke up here.

 

[livid4dirt]

The 3/4 ton one you posted will bolt right in, with new brakes and seals. Seems maybe just a tad high priced, i don't know what they go for in your neck of the woods. But out here in Washington they are cheap to come by.
Did i miss the current gear ratio you have now? If different from front well, you know the drill. If a 14 bolt is what you want maybe you can start collecting parts (front and rear) fix your issue you are having now, need to find out what is causing the noise.
Once you get all your new parts for the axle swap then go for it.

 

[brans87]

3:73 with 33x12.50x15 350 tbi and 700R4. Know my rear axle I have now is from another Burb and previous owners family told me and i changed fluid when first got it. I can't afford to have it blow up and towed home. The one that bolts in looks good as same gear set,bolts in,14 bolt and new parts on it. I might go look at it and if good try to make little lower offer but 14 bolt here are pricey it seems.
I can do front swap and maybe sell new parts i don't need afterwards in spring! Eaton makes a wheel for decent price to use my tires which are in great shape.

 

[livid4dirt]

Well, sounds like you have a plan. To bad your on the other side of the country, i could make you a smoking deal on a complete or parts to convert 3.73 geared 8 lug ten bolt.

 

[livid4dirt]

You should be able to get the parts to convert yours for not to much of a cost.

 

[livid4dirt]

I also have a set of 8 lug 15" rims that would work for you.

 

[brans87]

but your on west coast and i am in the Dirty South