What would you do?

[Highlander]

Hello all
Let start with what I'm running. It's a 83 K5 with a 2.5 lift 1" body 35 BFG AT's, A Dana 44 front with ARB and 4.56 the rear is a 12 bolt with a ARB and 4.56. The Eng and tranny combo are 350/700r/205 new shafts at both end's the rear has 1350 yokes. Front is stock size.
Now the problem I have had this truck for two years now and I've always thought I had 4.11, At one time I took the part # and went to Richmond Gears online and could not get any help after I e-mailed them. Yesterday I went back to them and found out that I have 4.56 NOT 4.11. My 12b has gone south in a big way and it has be going for awhile I waited for a 12b from denver75k5 for a long time thinking it would be easyer and somewhat cheaper to go that way for the time being ( After a new tranny and transfer case and new driveshafts it was cheaper ) Well I can't really use the rearend that I got from TJ nor can I use whats left of my 12b.
Unless I rebuild my 12b but mite include a new ARB I've been look at the cost it's about 350 for R&P and install kit even the Axle Bearings. The ARB is 650
I was thinking I could get a overhaul kit from ARB to replace the old springs, bolts and seals This should be done as I found out today I had to replace five Bolts in the ARB as they cam loose and some are gone /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
I wasn't going to go with a 14b I don't wheel the K5 that hard. Then I found a 14b new with 4.56 and a Detroit for 550. The con to the 14b is having to move the spring pads and the shock mounts ( If this is wrong let me know )
Then I found a 4.56 gear set for 200 But I would still need a carrier ( I would hate to give up my ARB ) I guess I could put in the 4.11 rearend take out the front shaft ( just so I wont use the 4wd) The go though the ARB rearend.
Sorry for the small book
Any input would be helpful

Eric

 

[tRustyK5]

If the ARB is rebuildable I'd pick up the new gear set (4.56's for $200) and repair the 12 bolt.

</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
I wasn't going to go with a 14b I don't wheel the K5 that hard. Then I found a 14b new with 4.56 and a Detroit for 550. The con to the 14b is having to move the spring pads and the shock mounts ( If this is wrong let me know )

[/ QUOTE ]

This is a real value even though there will be other costs involved. Frankly even if I didn't wheel my truck much I'd still go with a FF 14 just for peace of mind. There is a lot to be said for bomb-proof parts you never have to worry about.

If the FF is from a one ton (I'm guessing by the descrption it is) you will need to move perches and shock mounts to install it. You'll also need a hybrid rear U-joint.

At this point you'll either have to shell out some dough to convert the FF to 6 lug or you'll have to swap the front to 8 lug and look for other rims. 15's will fit but the front calipers will need to be ground.

Rene

 

[Shaggy]

<font color="green"> You must wheel fairly hard if it was worth it to spend the money on the ARBs. I'd get the 14 bolt for $550 then sell your 12 bolt ARB to defray the costs. Either convert the 14b to 6 lug or convert the frontend to 8 lug and call it good. If the 14 bolt is from a 3/4 ton then the pads will fit where they are, if it's from a 1 ton then they have to be moved, but worst case this will cost less than $100. $55 for new perches from Rockjunkies, $20 to have them welded on and 2 hours or so of work to grind the old ones off. No biggie. </font color>

 

[Highlander]

Thanks Rene

I'm going to E-mail ARB tonight hopefuly they will reply this week
The wife is not happy about this nether am I but I understand it alot better than she, But we all know how that goes don't we.

Eric

 

[Highlander]

I didn't spend the money for the ARB's I bought it with them for 1500.00 and a new Crate motor as well. This K5 had to much on it to pass up.
Thank's Shaggy you brought up some good points about selling my 12b stuff. I'm such a pack rat I wouldn't of thought of that.. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif


Eric

 

[Grim-Reaper]

Well since the ARB is what fried your R&amp;P I sure as hell would be asking them to cover the TOTAL damage including R&amp;P a housing if yours is trashed and the cost of installation.
Then damn bolts backing out is a MAJOR problem with ARB's and despite what the knuckle head that responds to you says they KNOW they had a problem and the ARB has been redesigned with pins and new style locks to keep those bolts from backing out.
E-mail RobZilla and ask for one of his SPECIAL letters and tell him what I said about the problem. Tell him I told you to contact him.

 

[Highlander]

It wasn't the ARB that started all mess it has finished it though. This all stated with a pinon bearing going south well that partly true.
When I bought this K5 I went and topped off the fluids then went to the parts store when I got back I found the tailgate all wet with gear oil only then did I find the hole in the diff cover from a chiped tooth. From then on I would change the gear oil about every three months or so. Till I get the funds to go through the rearend. Well times up.
I last looked at the gears while the truck was down for a new tranny and T-case. I remember looking at those bolts on the ARB and thinking I wonder when those will come loose.
I know my ARB is a older model the break down in last months 4WP's rag shows the bolt keepers. I whis they would put them on to begin with.. /forums/images/graemlins/angryfire.gif

Eric

 

[Grim-Reaper]

Your not listening to me. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
The bolts backed out (and some are missing) they got run through the R&amp;P and caused all the damage Right?

RIGHT?
It's a known problem............. Get a hold of Robzilla and get a letter /forums/images/graemlins/deal.gif

 

[Highlander]

DUH... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I get it now I just sent them a e-mail tell them al about it /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif We'll see what will happen....
Thanks Grim

Eric