Rear axel swap

[Symba_The_Lyon]

Hello there i am want to change out my 10 bolt rear end for a 14 bolt because i need more weight in the back So my question is what is the newest year 14 bolt will fit a 96? Thank You!

 

[SunlitComet]

You are gonna have to change springs as well as you can't just change the axle and be done with it. I would have to go back and see the tensile strength of the frame to see if it will suffice as well. How much weight we talking and where and in what form?

 

[Donnie Yukonie]

What do you mean you need more weight in the back?

Most people swap to a 14 bolt for strength reasons . the 10 bolt is a weak axle compared to the 14 bolt .

Im actually undergoing the swap to mine as we speak after blowing my 10 bolt a few weeks ago . From what Ive learned is even a "built" 10 bolt doesn't come close to a stock 14 bolt The reasons are pretty clear . 10 bolts Ring gear is a small 8.50 or 8.25 (can't remember) while depending on which 14 bolt you get is either a 9.5 (Semi Float) or its big and popular cousin the massive 10.5 (full float)

there is Technically 3 types of 14 bolts
comparing them these are the pros and cons to them

14 bolt Semi Floating Six lug axle -
PROS
-much stronger than a 10 bolt
- Retains 6 Lug stock pattern ( you can get away with using stock rims)
- Lightest of all the 14 bolts
-Higher ground clearance
- Direct Swap into OBS trucks NO modifications required to swap (other than Gears if required) EXCEPT C&C or 454 SS Axle

CONS
-"weakest" of the 14 bolt axle family
-Not as much Aftermarket support for lockers unlike the FF
- C-clip axle

14 Bolt Semi Floating axle 8 Lug and I believe 5 lug??(Uncommon)
Pretty much the same as the 6 lug just in 8 or 5 lug form

14 bolt Full Floater 8 Lug (only)
Pros
-massive 10.5 inch ring gear
-stock is pretty much indestructible
-No C-clips
- More aftermarket support for Lockers
Cons
-Requires Minor mods to swap
-Requires bigger rims for the 13 inch Drums and Wheel Hubs sticking out
- Weighs Close to 500 pounds
- The Diff is so big it reduces ground clearance (shave kits are available )

This is just the basics and the axles do change in the newer Years my Yukon is a 98 and I just picked up a 14 bolt SF 6 lug from a 6.5 TD heavy half ton truck . I got lucky the axle is the same width as my old 10 bolt.

Note the 2wd Truck axles and C&C models do differ in width 1-2 inches

 

[SunlitComet]

Unless he meant he needs the axle to weigh more itself. Snow traction maybe?

 

[Donnie Yukonie]

Unless he meant he needs the axle to weigh more itself. Snow traction maybe?

Maybe , If thats the issue I would just Put some sand bags in the cargo area

 

[Nak]

I've got the 14 bolt SF rear end; as close to a bolt in swap as you're going to find. Yes, it adds a lot of weight in the back. If that is your only issue though, just add sand in the back. If you want the additional strength then it's pretty damn cheap bang for the buck. If you're going to tow a lot or go with a much more powerful engine, then it's a no brainer to do this swap. I'm not sure I understand the comment on locker options being limited. You can get a detroit locker or a Eaton TruTrac. No real need for anything other than one of those... In fact, the main weakness of the 14 bolt SF is a weak gear carrier; either Eaton mentioned will fix that weakness nicely.

The 14 bolt FF rear end is a much more complicated and expensive swap. If you need it for strength with a built motor that's one thing. If you need towing capacity then consider a different rig.

 

[Symba_The_Lyon]

I mean more weight of the axle it's self because i don't get enough traction in the snow/dry roads because when i go over a bump it want to stay in the air sense it is so light, And i did have a 200 pond rock in the back of it when it was not lifted and it worked like a charm but now it is lifted when i do over a bump the rear of the cab is bouncing up and down because of the weight of the rock ,and i want to swap it just for better traction and it much beefier hehe, Now what Chevy trucks have this 14 bolt Semi Floating Six lug axle ?

 

[Kon99]

Sorry to butt in guys, but I have a 2WD with a 10 bolt and was thinking about a rear end swap to something, but had no idea they made 5 lug 14 bolts. How uncommon are these axels and how cloesly are they to the 2WD because I assume they only came on 4WD trucks. Another good question is where in the hell will I find one of them if they do exist?

 

[SunlitComet]

how about better suited tires or snow chains as needed?

---------- Post added at 10:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:51 AM ----------

or strap bolt some densely filled small diameter pipes to the axle?

 

[mattluttrell]

You might be able to find a Dana 60 or 70 that suits your purposes too. Measure the width of your axle and start checking the axle bibles on sites like Pirate4x4. These axle swaps are extremely common in the offroading community. You can probably find a good heavy axle for $200 or so.