Semi or full floating?

[Hubnut]

I am trying to upgrade my Jimmy's 1/2 ton running gear with 3/4 or 1 ton. I need to know if a 14 bolt semi floater is worth the effort to install? Or should I wait for a full floater. I'm fully aware that the best would be the ff, but is the sf good too? I can get a 14bsf for $100 today.

 

[Blue85]

This has been covered many times. The 14bsf is really a 3/4-ton axle. The 14BFF is really a 1-ton axle, even though it came in a lot of 3/4-ton trucks. The SF is much stronger than the stock 1/2-ton stuff. Most people here will tell you that they are good up to tire sizes of about 38 inches.

Just make sure of two things:

1) You are installing the number of lugs you want long-term. Think you will go 1-ton someday? Might as well go 8-lug now. The 14bsf can be done in either 6-lug or 8-lug by swapping axleshafts and brakes.

2) The axle has the gear ratio you want. Unless you need something lower than 4.10 it will be cheaper to hold out for the right swapper than to regear.

 

[smalltruckbigcid]

And by the way a ff isn't much more money around here. Figure maybe $200 bucks for a used one

 

[Hubnut]

Thanks guys. That was very clearly presented. I sure can't seem to find a 14bolt ff around here for under $300. Most of the people I've checked with want $400 to $500! I think I'm going to get this axle. My 10 bolt has had 35s on it for a while and I'm sure I'm on borrowed time. Thank you both again!

 

[Hubnut]

ONe more question. If I go with 6 lug, will my 15 inch wheels fit on the 14 bolt or do I need a 16 inch wheel?

 

[imiceman44]

ONe more question. If I go with 6 lug, will my 15 inch wheels fit on the 14 bolt or do I need a 16 inch wheel?

15" will fit.
Did you find a 6 lug 14bsf for $100?
I know the 8 lugs are I am selling mine for $125 but I rarely see 6 lugs go that cheap.
Good find if you did.

 

[jonathon]

15" wheels aren't an issue with either axle.. it's the fronts that have clearance issues. You do need 8 lugs though

For what it's worth, if you're running 37's or less... the 14bsf will hold up fine, and get you much more ground clearance.

I decided to keep mine, re-gear it and put an e-locker in it.

 

[YZEATER]

15" wheels aren't an issue with either axle.. it's the fronts that have clearance issues. You do need 8 lugs though

there are 6 lug 14b sf axles out there.

 

[Blue85]

there are 6 lug 14b sf axles out there.

Yes, but they need the perches and shock mounts moved to bolt into a K5.

If you had one of each, you could swap the axles and brakes to make a bolt-in 6-lug, though. If you were looking at FF axles, then you must have some thoughts about going 8-lug. Just evaluate the long-term plan before you convert an axle, though. A set of steel wheels and an 8-lug conversion for the front can be less money than the axle conversion.