Which path to take?

[THISISWEIRD]

So I'd like some help figuring out where to go with my build. Here's the deal.....

I've got a 91' Blazer with what appears to be 2.5" of lift riding on 33's. It has a 700r4, 241 TC, and 3.08 gears.

I want to move it to 4" of lift and 35's. I'm going to do the lift with a shackle flip, greasable bushings, and Tuff Country springs up front. From what I've been reading, I'll need to change the gears on the 35's to keep my tranny running.

I don't plan on doing much wheeling at all. Really, the truck is a hunting/fishing truck that I just want to be nice. Maybe a few times a year, I'll go up in the mountains in the snow.

So, given that I want to change my gears and go to 35's, I think a 14 bolt is is the cards. I can get a 14 bolt with 4.56 gears and a Detroit, along with a D60 (4.56 too) brand new in the crate for $1900. It's from a reputable source that gets them from a military application.

But I don't really need a 60. I don't even know how hard it is to convert to a D60.

Should I just buy the D60? Should I just buy the 14 bolt and change the gears and convert to 8 lug on the 10 bolt front? (BTW, to do this all I need is new knuckles, correct?) Should I just change the gears on the front and rear 10 bolts and call it a day since I don't do much wheeling?

Thanks for any input.

Please keep in mind that I'm a novice when it comes to this stuff.....if that factors into your thoughts.

 

[CDA 455]

I don't plan on doing much wheeling at all. Really, the truck is a hunting/fishing truck that I just want to be nice. Maybe a few times a year, I'll go up in the mountains in the snow.

DISCLAIMER: This is only my opinion and stated with all due respect.



The above statement tells me your plans would be a waste of money on a functional level.

Form? It would look awesome. But do REALLY want to spend that kind of coin for looks??


Of course cost is relative.

If you make $250,000 a year from your job, $3000 to $5000 isn't going to feel as bad as if you made $50,000 a year.

 

[dyeager535]

Agree with above post!

If it were me, I'd be keeping my eyes open for a 6 lug 14SF and 10 bolt with matching gears (no, not from the same truck of course) but that's about all I'd change. You've gotta change the gears anyways, why not go with a hugely better axle that doesn't decrease ground clearance so much, and important for a daily driver, doesn't weigh as much.

Nothing in your post tells me you NEED a 14FF or D60.

 

[fourwheelerjeff]

Agree with above post!

If it were me, I'd be keeping my eyes open for a 6 lug 14SF and 10 bolt with matching gears (no, not from the same truck of course) but that's about all I'd change. You've gotta change the gears anyways, why not go with a hugely better axle that doesn't decrease ground clearance so much, and important for a daily driver, doesn't weigh as much.

Nothing in your post tells me you NEED a 14FF or D60.

x2, dorian hit it right on the nose.

 

[obijuan]

i think youll be fine with stock axles and new gears. mine cruises very well for the highway and can get headlight deep in a mudhole. its a great combo for me and probably will do you very well.

 

[Pvt. Maggot]

If you wanna make everyone really mad, then run the 35's on the 3.08's and 10 bolts, I drove mine on the road and in mud, and was suprised that it would actually spin all 4 tires well, I noticed the lack of power, but not on the road, find some 3/4 axles with 4:10's or just put 4:10's in your axles, you should be fine with those.