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Stupid 14ff Question

noahrob

noahrob

1/2 ton status
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Is it possible that two different 14ff axles have slightly different bolt hole layouts for the Diff cover? In other words, if I take the diff cover off my axle and walk over to my buddy's truck (assuming we both have chevy 14ff axles), it should match up, correct? What is the likelihood that it woudl nto match?
 
Do you both have the big hubs that stick out through the center of the wheel?
thanks,
James
 
Yup, it is the same axle, what I am trying to determine is whether or not there was ever any variance in either the way GM placed the holes, or what the factory tolerances might have been. I do not mean like the 14 bolts are actually in different places on the diff, but more like some of the holes are off by an 1/8th here or there.
 
If they don't fit, maybe one got bent?
 
I don't think so, as most advertised covers, don't have a year designation like there would be two different covers.
 
The semifloat 14bolt and fullfloat 14bolt are 2 totally different diffs. 9.5"sf 10.5"FF. If as it sounds like you're talking about 2 of the same, i've never seen an variation in covers on a 14boltFF.


To me it's rediculous that the dumbasses as GM called them both 14bolts.
 
There is no variation in bolt hole placement on the 14b ff housings themselves. Any variations will be in the covers. Its ok to drill out the holes to the next size up to gain a bit of clearance. Within reason of course.:wink1:

Whats the reason for asking?
 
KidJethro,

I have a cover that is super close to lining up, but I can only get about 4-5 of th 14 bolts in, the rest of the holes are off, the worse one being way off. My assumption is that it is the cover, but I wanted to see if for some reason it was even possible that it was the diff...I didn't think so. I am not sure what to do, I guess see if I can drill each hole out by one bolt size to gain a little wiggle room...
 
Is this an after market cover that someone has made? If so i would say it is definately poor craftsmanship.
 
KidJethro said:
Rediculous? :eek1: Uhhhh....They both have 14 bolts holding the cover on....
Click to expand...


I know that, So what. They pay some good money down at GM HQ to a bunch O'guys. They couldn't come up with a better system of nameing their diffs other than. HOLY CRAP that one has 10 BOLTS on the cover, right on {high five} WAIT that one has 12 {sweet we're on a roll now}......... hold on both of these kinds have 14 BOLTS on the covers.......... thats OK no one will notice....send them out
bangbang.gif
 
4X4High,

Here is what I am thinking (not suggesting this is true, or even very smart, just the best I have so far). Stock covers have holes that are slightly larger than the diameter of the bolt which goes threw them, therefore the cover can move ever so slightly to allow all the holes to line up to the diff. If a cover is made with holes that are exactly the same size of the bolt, the holes need to be spot on, or else you have the situation I seem to have which is I can get 4-5 bolts in, but the rest get progressively more off center as they go...
 
Off topic and colorful commentary are what makes the world go around...or was that fairy dust? In any event, yes we are talking apples to apples. 14 bolts. Full Floating GM 1 ton axles.
 
DEMON44 said:
I know that, So what. They pay some good money down at GM HQ to a bunch O'guys. They couldn't come up with a better system of nameing their diffs other than. HOLY CRAP that one has 10 BOLTS on the cover, right on {high five} WAIT that one has 12 {sweet we're on a roll now}......... hold on both of these kinds have 14 BOLTS on the covers.......... thats OK no one will notice....send them out
bangbang.gif
Click to expand...

I don't believe GM called them that at all. That's people making up names:

http://dyeager535.topcities.com/posipictures.html

http://dyeager535.topcities.com/partsmanual.html

No access to my service manual, but I'm 99% sure GM refers to them by the ring gear diameter in all cases. A 7.5" and 8.5" diff both have 10 bolt covers, (just like the 9.5/10.5" diffs both have 14) so it wouldn't make much sense for that kind of naming scheme. :)

I could go on about the Camaro/Firebird STUBframe, but I won't.
 
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