id go with a 9" for sure
CK5
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SAS Complete! **PICS**
- Thread starter OrangeCrushK10
- Start date
OrangeCrushK10
1/2 ton status
Can you get a Ford 9" with a 6 bolt lug pattern?
pvfjr
1/2 ton status
I think there were some newer fords that had a 6-lug pattern, but I don't know how narrow they'd be.
You can find a semi floating 14b from a 90's 1500 or 2500. 9.5" ring gear and a 6-lug pattern. Not quite as excessive as a 14bff. I think there were some 2wd ones that were a bit narrower too, but those may be 5-lug. Would probably be a pain either way.
AMC 20's have a 6-lug pattern too. Also, they're not a typical semi floater, in the sense that they have no c-clips. There's a bearing retainer that attaches the axle at the axle tube flange. So in theory, you could snap an axle and not lose your wheel. Would be the same width as your D44, and the lockrights are cheap on ebay...
You can find a semi floating 14b from a 90's 1500 or 2500. 9.5" ring gear and a 6-lug pattern. Not quite as excessive as a 14bff. I think there were some 2wd ones that were a bit narrower too, but those may be 5-lug. Would probably be a pain either way.
AMC 20's have a 6-lug pattern too. Also, they're not a typical semi floater, in the sense that they have no c-clips. There's a bearing retainer that attaches the axle at the axle tube flange. So in theory, you could snap an axle and not lose your wheel. Would be the same width as your D44, and the lockrights are cheap on ebay...
OrangeCrushK10
1/2 ton status
lol. okay, okay. I give. I'll look into an AMC20 too. Is there any way to tell the weak ones from the strong ones?
pvfjr
1/2 ton status
Let me take some pics, upload, etc. I'll do a quick little write up for you, cause I always see these q's...
OrangeCrushK10
1/2 ton status
The Waggy I got the front axle from had an AMC 20 in the rear, but I just passed it up due to their bad rep.
pvfjr
1/2 ton status
CLICK PICS TO ENLARGE
Alright then. The first pic is the axle under our S10. The "good" one. The end of the axle flange isn't really flat as I've heard them described, but it doesn't protrude a lot either. Has a square drive hole in the end of it too. This is what's known as the "1-piece axles".
The next two pics are from one of the less desireable (or just flat out undesireable) AMC 20's. We picked this one up for $40, just cause we needed the carrier. It was five lug, and had an offset diff because it was a quadratrac model. Also had wimpy little 2.5" axle tubes. I don't remember how much bigger the other one is, but I can tell you it's quite significant. Makes you say "what the..." when you take the u-bolts from one axle and try to use them on the other.
Anyway, these are the two piece axles, and have a dust cover hammered onto the end of them. Under it, is the big nut that bolts the axle flange onto the axle shaft. This is where the two piece thing comes into play. The torque spec for these things is over 400 ft lbs. Often if someone pulls it apart, they don't properly retorque it afterwards. This leads to the axle shaft spinning inside the axle flange, and can strip it out. And sometimes it isn't bad maintenance, and it just happens cause it's a bad design. Either way, if you get the one piece axle, you don't have to worry about it at all. Our good AMC 20 came out of an 81 wagoneer with a I6 258/t176/np208, if that helps at all.
Alright then. The first pic is the axle under our S10. The "good" one. The end of the axle flange isn't really flat as I've heard them described, but it doesn't protrude a lot either. Has a square drive hole in the end of it too. This is what's known as the "1-piece axles".
The next two pics are from one of the less desireable (or just flat out undesireable) AMC 20's. We picked this one up for $40, just cause we needed the carrier. It was five lug, and had an offset diff because it was a quadratrac model. Also had wimpy little 2.5" axle tubes. I don't remember how much bigger the other one is, but I can tell you it's quite significant. Makes you say "what the..." when you take the u-bolts from one axle and try to use them on the other.
Anyway, these are the two piece axles, and have a dust cover hammered onto the end of them. Under it, is the big nut that bolts the axle flange onto the axle shaft. This is where the two piece thing comes into play. The torque spec for these things is over 400 ft lbs. Often if someone pulls it apart, they don't properly retorque it afterwards. This leads to the axle shaft spinning inside the axle flange, and can strip it out. And sometimes it isn't bad maintenance, and it just happens cause it's a bad design. Either way, if you get the one piece axle, you don't have to worry about it at all. Our good AMC 20 came out of an 81 wagoneer with a I6 258/t176/np208, if that helps at all.
pvfjr
1/2 ton status
Oh yeah, and some had 10" brakes, some had 11" brakes, I think.
And here's a tech article from THE MAN at randy's ring and pinion about why the AMC 20 deserves a second look.
http://www.ringpinion.com/content/technicalhelp/default.asp?pid=138
And here's a tech article from THE MAN at randy's ring and pinion about why the AMC 20 deserves a second look.
http://www.ringpinion.com/content/technicalhelp/default.asp?pid=138
I was reading on rears for S-10s, and full size Jeep trucks came to mind. Not sure if they are full width, or if some had the narrow track (60" or so) but some had semi float 60s with 5 lug, while others were the typical full floater. You can (should say a machine shop) redrill the lug pattern to whatever you want. Had a 9" in my Malibu that was redrilled to small Gm pattern. I have access to early Bronco axles, and was thinking of drilling the rear to 6 lug. But, think I'm gonna stick with Waggy's. Alot easier to come by than early Bronco stuff.
beater_k20
Banned
that front shackle mount looks VERY scary by your pics. does it have any connection to the frame other than at the corner? if not, you really should look into that. tying it into the opposite hanger wouldnt be a bad idea at all either.
pvfjr
1/2 ton status
Yeah, suspension mounts can't be braced too much. Well...they could I suppose, but not likely.
OrangeCrushK10
1/2 ton status
The mount is fully welded and gusseted to the frame for nearly the enitre height of the frame. I think it will hold up well, but just incase I do check it every few days for cracks or frame bending or anything else.
I haven't abused it badly, just to work and back driving, but I've purposely hit dips in the road and stuff a bit hard simply to test the integrity of it all.
I haven't abused it badly, just to work and back driving, but I've purposely hit dips in the road and stuff a bit hard simply to test the integrity of it all.
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pvfjr
1/2 ton status
So when are you gonna jump it? Aren't you curious what would happen?
OrangeCrushK10
1/2 ton status
pvfjr said:So when are you gonna jump it? Aren't you curious what would happen?
Well, I'm not big on jumping....
...but I am a bit curious now.....
pvfjr
1/2 ton status
Sounds like he's skeered. 
It's alright, I am too.
It's alright, I am too.
OrangeCrushK10
1/2 ton status
Maybe I'll make it up to the Sand dunes next summer and find out.... 
pvfjr
1/2 ton status
Or you could recreate that scene from "The Punisher". Just gotta find the right boat and get somebody to chase you.
beater_k20
Banned
OrangeCrushK10 said:
got some more pics of it? i'm not seeing it in the pics.
pvfjr
1/2 ton status
beater_k20
Banned
i see 2 triangular gussets inside the body mount, with very little, if any contact between the actual spring perch and the frame. doesnt look very safe at all.
