warning newbie question ahead:edited with a new question.

[thebluemax]

I saw a 14 bolt for sale on another forum and the guy said it was 4.10 geared drums yada yada..missing the carrier. How would the ring and pinion, axleshafts, etc be held in place. I am aware I would have to buy the carrier but $100 seems steep for an incomplete 14 bolt.

* new question at post 11

 

[TerryD]

If it's a full float (14BFF) then the wheels are on bearings/spindles mounted to the end of the tubes. The idea of this was that if you are carrying a heavy load, you could build spindles and bearings to take that kind of weight and then use an alloy for the axle shaft that will take the torque loading but not need to carry any weight. Also, if you pop a shaft (under a dump truck or a wheeler) you don't loose your wheel and drop the load.

 

[90'K5]

It's possible the shafts are bolted in, nowhere for the ring to be, but the pinion could still be bolted in the housing. I would imagine the axle is in pieces and would check to make sure everything is there including the carrier bearing caps, they only match that housing.

 

[90'K5]

Bluemax, I just text the guy selling the axle, he said it is complete minus carrier and the ring is laying in the housing. Get back on there and snag it..

 

[4xcrazy]

I wouldn't pay much more than $50 for it though. I bought a complete one from a junk yard here for $100 and they can be had from personal sales for that maybe a touch more, but not much.

 

[thebluemax]

It's out of a 70s one ton

 

[4xcrazy]

and what are you putting it in?

doesn't really matter whether it's a 1 ton or not, they are the same for 3/4 ton except the shock tabs and spring pad spacing.

 

[82355]

I'd pass unless you were already planning on a locker and regearing.

Martin

 

[KansasTwister]

and if its going in a half or 3/4 youd need to reweld your perches, so a 3/4 ton would be more ideal.

 

[1BEATK5]

I'd pass unless you were already planning on a locker and regearing.

Martin

a detroit drops into a stock open carrier. also i wouldnt pay more than $75 for it. they are so common that $100-$125 is the norm for a complete one.
also if you are putting it in a half ton or k5, it wont bolt in. a 3/4 ton 14b will.

 

[thebluemax]

Edit: I found another basket case axle. 14 bolt semi float with the right gearing. But the differential is welded and needs spring perches and shock mounts welded on it? Is it worth $75 bucks? How hard is it to change back to an open diff from a welded?

I never seem to be able to find anything close or anything that doesn't need some kind of work. It's either 3 hours away or a basketcase

 

[496truck]

It means you have to remove the welded carrier and replace with a new/used open one or buy a locker or posi. This means a completely new gear set up. Not worth $75. Maybe worth it if it's free, only if you already planned to buy a locker for it... Otherwise, pass.

 

[Bent77]

Yes setting up gears in a 14bff involves a bit more work than some. Might be worth the time to either wait or drive 3 hrs.

 

[thebluemax]

It means you have to remove the welded carrier and replace with a new/used open one or buy a locker or posi. This means a completely new gear set up. Not worth $75. Maybe worth it if it's free, only if you already planned to buy a locker for it... Otherwise, pass.

​

So if I found a locker or posi new or salvaged it replace the welded spiders?

 

[496truck]

Yes, sort of. A welded carrier has not only the spider gears welded to each other but also to the carrier. You will need to find another carrier, whether it's open, a locker, or a clutch (or other) style posi/limited slip to replace the welded carrier if that's what you want to do. Replacing the carrier typically requires a new gear set up. Although, I have done a couple carrier replacements over the years that needed very little or no adjustment. You need to know how to measure, adjust and read a gear pattern.