So I Want to replace the stock 10 bolt rear. I want to use a 6 ug pattern, possibly add an E-Z Locker (not sure if thats a good idea). I think I have a 30 spline unit. Where do I begin looking? Junk yards? What vehicles? I dont really want to weld anything if I can help it. Thanks.
CK5
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Want to get a stronger rear axle, where do I begin?
- Thread starter shum1
- Start date
Emmettology 101
3/4 ton status
Well if you want to stay with your 6-lug pattern, you dont have much much for adding a stronger axle. The 12 bolt will retain you 6lug pattern but isn't much stronger than the 10 bolt.
There is one guy on the list that has a 14FF with a 6lug pattern that had custom drums on it from 4wheel Parts Wholesalers. Although this will set you back around $1500 I believe.
However, you could strengthen you 10 bolt with a Detroit locker, FF Kit and Alloy Axle shafts..... This wont be as bullet proof as the 14FF, but it will be stronger than what you have.
Mike
See <font color=green>EMMETT</font color=green> -> <A target="_blank" HREF=http://emmett.coloradok5.com>http://emmett.coloradok5.com</A>
There is one guy on the list that has a 14FF with a 6lug pattern that had custom drums on it from 4wheel Parts Wholesalers. Although this will set you back around $1500 I believe.
However, you could strengthen you 10 bolt with a Detroit locker, FF Kit and Alloy Axle shafts..... This wont be as bullet proof as the 14FF, but it will be stronger than what you have.
Mike
See <font color=green>EMMETT</font color=green> -> <A target="_blank" HREF=http://emmett.coloradok5.com>http://emmett.coloradok5.com</A>
kpanza
1/2 ton status
You could also find a 14 bolt semi floater (not as strong as the full floater though), they came with 6 lugs in some applications. Emmettology 101 is right, you might just think about getting some moly axleshafts, a detroit (to replace the weak 10 bolt carrier) and the full floater kit from ORD or Warn...
Emmettology 101
3/4 ton status
Ooooopppsss, thanks kpanza.... I forgot about the 14SF.. MAn, first day back today at work and I am swamped...... I keep trying to fit in CK5 in between doing things...
Mike
See <font color=green>EMMETT</font color=green> -> <A target="_blank" HREF=http://emmett.coloradok5.com>http://emmett.coloradok5.com</A>
Mike
See <font color=green>EMMETT</font color=green> -> <A target="_blank" HREF=http://emmett.coloradok5.com>http://emmett.coloradok5.com</A>
Blazer_Boy
1/2 ton status
Check the military auctions for those tough axles. Sometimes you can come across one of there Blazers that some dumbass private wrecked. The axles in those things should satisfy your needs
"An old Blazer never dies, they just... rust away."
"An old Blazer never dies, they just... rust away."
Did the military Blazers have beefier drivetrains than the civilian versions? There's one for sale here in Colorado Springs for $1800 with a bad 6.2L engine.
<font color=black>HarryH3 - '75 K5</font color=black>
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://ThunderTruck.ColoradoK5.com>http://ThunderTruck.ColoradoK5.com</A>
<font color=black>HarryH3 - '75 K5</font color=black>
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://ThunderTruck.ColoradoK5.com>http://ThunderTruck.ColoradoK5.com</A>
I think the military Blazers used 10-bolts just like the civilians.
For the semifloating 14 bolt, this would give a significant strength increase but would also require some work to keep the 6 lug pattern. The 8 lug, semifloating 14's were pretty common in 3/4 ton pickkups and Subs up to '87 and are pretty much a bolt in deal. These can be converted to 6 lugs by either new axle shafts and brake drums or redrilling these parts (I got an estimate of under $100 for an axle shop to do this). The factory 6 lug versions, to the best of my knowledge, were only available on the "newer" style trucks with independent front suspension ('88 and newer pickups, '92 and newer Blazers,Tahoes, etc.) and would require the spring pads to be moved in order to install in your Blazer.
I'm a firm believer that a 10-bolt can be beefed up enough to handle moderate tire sizes and use. The first upgrade is the 30 spline axle shafts that became available in the '89-'91 model years. The next step up is to replace the factory carrier (aka differential) with a full case unit like a Detroit Locker, TruTrac, etc.. I would not recommend using something like the EZ locker or Lockrite because they do not do anything to strengthen the weak factory carrier. I've used a rear 10-bolt in my '90 with alloy 30 spline axles, Detroit Tru-Trac, and aftermarket 4.10 gears, for about 1.5 years with 33" tires and the last year with 35" tires and do pretty serious trail riding about once per month with no issues out of the rearend. I have broken a couple of front axle u-joints, body mounts, and spring shackle bolts to give you an idea of how it's used......though I am planning on upgrading the front and rear axles in anticipation for bigger tires and harder use. With the above mentioned mods, i think you would be okay for 33"-35" tires and easy to moderate use with the 10-bolt, but it really depends on how hard you drive it.
For the semifloating 14 bolt, this would give a significant strength increase but would also require some work to keep the 6 lug pattern. The 8 lug, semifloating 14's were pretty common in 3/4 ton pickkups and Subs up to '87 and are pretty much a bolt in deal. These can be converted to 6 lugs by either new axle shafts and brake drums or redrilling these parts (I got an estimate of under $100 for an axle shop to do this). The factory 6 lug versions, to the best of my knowledge, were only available on the "newer" style trucks with independent front suspension ('88 and newer pickups, '92 and newer Blazers,Tahoes, etc.) and would require the spring pads to be moved in order to install in your Blazer.
I'm a firm believer that a 10-bolt can be beefed up enough to handle moderate tire sizes and use. The first upgrade is the 30 spline axle shafts that became available in the '89-'91 model years. The next step up is to replace the factory carrier (aka differential) with a full case unit like a Detroit Locker, TruTrac, etc.. I would not recommend using something like the EZ locker or Lockrite because they do not do anything to strengthen the weak factory carrier. I've used a rear 10-bolt in my '90 with alloy 30 spline axles, Detroit Tru-Trac, and aftermarket 4.10 gears, for about 1.5 years with 33" tires and the last year with 35" tires and do pretty serious trail riding about once per month with no issues out of the rearend. I have broken a couple of front axle u-joints, body mounts, and spring shackle bolts to give you an idea of how it's used......though I am planning on upgrading the front and rear axles in anticipation for bigger tires and harder use. With the above mentioned mods, i think you would be okay for 33"-35" tires and easy to moderate use with the 10-bolt, but it really depends on how hard you drive it.
