School me on axle swaps!

[prolinews]

I'm non educated on donor vehicles I do know the difference between 10b 12b and 14b . I'm not in the immediate need for axles any time soon. My 88k5 10b 3.73's are in perfect working order. I troll craigslist daily and would hate to miss a good deal on something I could use later on. My k5 is a road warrior mild offroad overland type vehicle with A/T 33's. I'm not sure which are bolt in's which require alot of fab?

 

[xenomarine]

any chevy front end will swap in pretty much direct. with the exception of a year split for brake lines and some other minor things i'm sure are escaping me at the moment. some dodge stuff is close enough that it'll bolt in if you have lift springs, i have a dodge dana 60 in my truck with no modifications except weld-on shock mounts, which i would have done anyways.

rear's will swap in from any k10, k20, or k5. k30 axles can be done but the spring perches and i believe shock mounts need to be relocated. any heavier duty or different year axle might also need a conversion u joint.

overall it's not too bad, i did mine by myself in a week of nights after college classes and homework, and work.

 

[K85 Octane]

Yeah, keep it simple. If you can find a set of 3/4 ton axles (10b or D44 with matching geared 14b rear) you'll be set. Something with 4.10 gearing to run those 33s. The front U joint is fine, the rear will need that conversion joint.

If you can find a semi floater 14 with 6 lug, that would make the swap even easier as you wont have to go to 8 lug. I'm sure there is a difference in banjo bolt size between D44 and 10b calipers. BUT, you can swap that stuff over from your current axle too.

 

[82355]

I'd just leave it be unless you break an axle.

Martin

 

[375 H&H]

if you find a 3/4 ton 14 bolt full floater, you won't have to change perches.

but you may have to tweak driveline length.

 

[Richcz28]

If you can find a semi floater 14 with 6 lug, that would make the swap even easier as you wont have to go to 8 lug. I'm sure there is a difference in banjo bolt size between D44 and 10b calipers. BUT, you can swap that stuff over from your current axle too.

Not necessarily true. If you can't weld or fab but you are good with wrenches than 14bsf 6 lug may
not be for you.

Bolting on wheels is about the easiest thing to do on a truck. 8 lug wheels are a dime a dozen and usually have larger sized tires mounted up.

A six lug sf only worked for me because I found one locked for the right price. If I had it to do over I would be on one tons.

I'd just leave it be unless you break an axle.

Martin

I agree with Martin.