Rear end prob/ swap

Faster4344 · 06-19-2008, 07:13 PM

I have a k1500 with the lovely 10bolt rear end!!! It blows I have already blown the ring and pinion and luckily i didnt do any damage to the carrier or any other parts SO i put a new ring and pinion in it but I am looking for more power and I am afraid that the rear wolnt take it. I have a parts 3/4 ton truck and it is a 89 or 90 so its got the 6 lug hubs on it (no eight lug like the newer ones) it is also a two wheel drive so It has 3.42 gears like my truck. I want to do a swap bput the 3/4 rear in my 1/2 ton. Is this a good idea. would there be a tremdous amount of problems. Has anyone doe this?? what do people do to their rears to beef em up so they hold??

75K30 · 06-19-2008, 07:28 PM

Plenty of options, but by far the best is simply getting that little 10 bolt out of there.
Now, we can assume that you have a semi-floating donor axle and just have to determine which unit it is.
It will either be a 12 bolt, and it could be a semi float 14 bolt. For obvious reasons the larger unit will be the most desireable, as this will have the largest axle shaft, ring gear, and carrier combo. These are all c-clip style axles, so break one on the trail, and the axle pops out, but the larger axles will take a little more abuse.
With just about anything, the larger the better.

How much tire are you running with that 3.42:1 ratio?

Faster4344 · 06-19-2008, 09:08 PM

Im 99 percent sure that its a 14 bolt. I dont know what semi float means. If you could please explain that would be great. I have taken my 10 bolt apart numerous times repairing it and checking it. I am running the stock 245/75/16/ I would like to go to 265 or even 285 good or bad?? Im not doing too much off roading more of a street truck but still 4x4. thanks

75K30 · 06-20-2008, 01:35 AM

This explaination will require a bunch of typing.
I am willing to provide it, but have found a link that might serve your purpose a little better. I tend to forget some stuff, and this seems to be pretty comprehensive.
Rear Axle Semi-Floating and Full-Floating - Off-Road Magazine

If you have pics, we can help you determine which rear axle you have, you can also count the fasteners that retain the inspection cover. This is also a great indicator.

Faster4344 · 06-20-2008, 04:35 PM

75K30
Senior Member

Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,091

Leafs and shocks are not matched to an axle.
You will probably want to look for a semi float 14 bolt from a similar year heavy half, or 2500 truck.
Keeping the 6 lug pattern is easy with a semi float axle. You will not find a full floater in 6 lug. These will require 8 lug wheels.
By finding a similar year truck, all will be as close to a direct bolt in as possible.
U-joint modifications may be required.

So mine is definately a 14 bolt semi float b/c I have 6 lugs and 14 bolts in the cover. will it fit and will I run into problems??
Thanks a bunch!!

75K30 · 06-20-2008, 05:48 PM

Should not run into any problems, other than posibbly the u-joints being a different size. Easy to overcome.
Here is a little article that should provide a bit more info on the different 14b axles
GM 14 Bolt Axle Rebuid Parts - 4Wheel & Off-Road Magazine

Faster4344 · 06-20-2008, 08:56 PM

Thats a pretty rugged arcticle. They say that there will be not prob switching. Thats good news for me. I cant wait!!

06-19-2008, 07:13 PM	#1
Faster4344 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Delhi Ny Posts: 55	Rear end prob/ swap I have a k1500 with the lovely 10bolt rear end!!! It blows I have already blown the ring and pinion and luckily i didnt do any damage to the carrier or any other parts SO i put a new ring and pinion in it but I am looking for more power and I am afraid that the rear wolnt take it. I have a parts 3/4 ton truck and it is a 89 or 90 so its got the 6 lug hubs on it (no eight lug like the newer ones) it is also a two wheel drive so It has 3.42 gears like my truck. I want to do a swap bput the 3/4 rear in my 1/2 ton. Is this a good idea. would there be a tremdous amount of problems. Has anyone doe this?? what do people do to their rears to beef em up so they hold??

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Dual brake reservoir, rear section is for rear brakes?	K1500_Dude	Chevy Truck Forum	11	04-09-2008 10:10 AM
1994 GMC Sierra 4X4, EGR prob., battery drains	trunkmonkey	Chevy Truck Forum	5	04-01-2008 05:15 PM
blazer brake indicator light prob	pbouffard	Chevy Truck Forum	12	11-08-2007 06:40 PM
GMC Canyon 2005 SLE / Crew Cab Brake prob	bassplayer60	GMC Truck Forum	3	11-07-2006 05:00 PM
1991 manule trani prob will not go in reverse	I3 U T L 3 R	Chevy Truck Forum	2	09-28-2005 03:25 AM

06-19-2008, 07:28 PM	#2
75K30 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 3,312	Plenty of options, but by far the best is simply getting that little 10 bolt out of there. Now, we can assume that you have a semi-floating donor axle and just have to determine which unit it is. It will either be a 12 bolt, and it could be a semi float 14 bolt. For obvious reasons the larger unit will be the most desireable, as this will have the largest axle shaft, ring gear, and carrier combo. These are all c-clip style axles, so break one on the trail, and the axle pops out, but the larger axles will take a little more abuse. With just about anything, the larger the better. How much tire are you running with that 3.42:1 ratio?

06-19-2008, 09:08 PM	#3
Faster4344 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Delhi Ny Posts: 55	Im 99 percent sure that its a 14 bolt. I dont know what semi float means. If you could please explain that would be great. I have taken my 10 bolt apart numerous times repairing it and checking it. I am running the stock 245/75/16/ I would like to go to 265 or even 285 good or bad?? Im not doing too much off roading more of a street truck but still 4x4. thanks

06-20-2008, 01:35 AM	#4
75K30 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 3,312	This explaination will require a bunch of typing. I am willing to provide it, but have found a link that might serve your purpose a little better. I tend to forget some stuff, and this seems to be pretty comprehensive. Rear Axle Semi-Floating and Full-Floating - Off-Road Magazine If you have pics, we can help you determine which rear axle you have, you can also count the fasteners that retain the inspection cover. This is also a great indicator.

06-20-2008, 04:35 PM	#5
Faster4344 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Delhi Ny Posts: 55	75K30 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,091 Leafs and shocks are not matched to an axle. You will probably want to look for a semi float 14 bolt from a similar year heavy half, or 2500 truck. Keeping the 6 lug pattern is easy with a semi float axle. You will not find a full floater in 6 lug. These will require 8 lug wheels. By finding a similar year truck, all will be as close to a direct bolt in as possible. U-joint modifications may be required. So mine is definately a 14 bolt semi float b/c I have 6 lugs and 14 bolts in the cover. will it fit and will I run into problems?? Thanks a bunch!!

06-20-2008, 05:48 PM	#6
75K30 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 3,312	Should not run into any problems, other than posibbly the u-joints being a different size. Easy to overcome. Here is a little article that should provide a bit more info on the different 14b axles GM 14 Bolt Axle Rebuid Parts - 4Wheel & Off-Road Magazine

06-20-2008, 08:56 PM	#7
Faster4344 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Delhi Ny Posts: 55	Thats a pretty rugged arcticle. They say that there will be not prob switching. Thats good news for me. I cant wait!!