1-ton axle swap advice needed... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

steelsoldiers · 07-22-2002, 11:59 AM

Hi guys,
I am ready to swap tons under my '84 Caddy Blazer. I found a 14-bolt over the weekend for $75. Now I just need a front. Would a 8-lug dana 44 be ok for now if I can't find a 60? I figure anything would be better than the dual 10-bolts I have now. Overall, have you guys found it to be better to use 8 lug 15" wheels or the stock 16" rims. How cheap can you buy a set of 8 lug steel 15" wheels. I still have another year left on my 35x12.50x15 tires so I'd like to find some wheels if I can. Any other thoughts on swapping tons? Thanks guys.
Sincerely,
Chris

**JIMs70GMC** · 07-22-2002, 12:50 PM

Tyres international has American Racing and US Wheel rims that are 15x10 and 15x8 that come in 8 lug pattern. Cost is between $37 and $50 I believe. I have 15x10 8 lug rims now, from American Racing paid $43 at a local wheel shop. The problem you will have is caliper clearance. Also I don't know if the 15" rims will clear the drum on the 14 Bolt. I think it depends on back spacing.

7069684X4 · 07-22-2002, 01:25 PM

Hey steelsoldiers(cool handle by the way)
I have heard and read that the 1 ton rears from 73 up have the same spring perch spacing as 67-72 which is different from the 73 and up 1/2 and 3/4 tons. Would like to hear how this goes with you.
I am myself looking for 1 ton axles for my truck, 70 running gear, sounds like you found a good deal, so if you would let us know how it goes I for one would be thankful to ya.

steelsoldiers · 07-22-2002, 02:01 PM

Hey y'all,
Well it's a 14-bolt FF, but it's actually from a late 70's 3/4 ton truck so the spring pad spacing should be right for my Blazer(36" I believe). That's a good deal on the rear, but I'm afraid I am going to get shafted on the Dana 60 front. They are high priced items now. That's why I have been considering going with a 8 lug Dana 44 for the time being. I am going to step up to 38" tires next year so I just want to be ready for that. Thanks for the info guys. I'll let you know what happens.
Sincerely,
Chris

**68SWB4x4** · 07-22-2002, 07:14 PM

you should be fine with a 8 lug dana 44 for now...... hell run it with the 38s to.... if it breaks you planed on replacing it anyway!

steelsoldiers · 07-23-2002, 11:19 AM

Yeah, good point...it's a daily driver so it's not like I beat the crap out of it on a regular basis. I know there are some upgrades available for the 44 like stronger axle shafts and u-joints. They are a heck of a lot cheaper too.
Chris

07-22-2002, 11:59 AM	#1
steelsoldiers Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 79	1-ton axle swap advice needed... Hi guys, I am ready to swap tons under my '84 Caddy Blazer. I found a 14-bolt over the weekend for $75. Now I just need a front. Would a 8-lug dana 44 be ok for now if I can't find a 60? I figure anything would be better than the dual 10-bolts I have now. Overall, have you guys found it to be better to use 8 lug 15" wheels or the stock 16" rims. How cheap can you buy a set of 8 lug steel 15" wheels. I still have another year left on my 35x12.50x15 tires so I'd like to find some wheels if I can. Any other thoughts on swapping tons? Thanks guys. Sincerely, Chris __________________ webmaster, www.steelsoldiers.com 1984 M1009 CUCV Military Blazer w/ Caddy 500 big-block and a 1970 M35A2 2.5-ton 6x6 cargo truck w/ 478ci multi-fuel straight-six engine. Both in desert tan CARC paint from Operation Desert Storm.

07-22-2002, 12:50 PM	#2
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	Tyres international has American Racing and US Wheel rims that are 15x10 and 15x8 that come in 8 lug pattern. Cost is between $37 and $50 I believe. I have 15x10 8 lug rims now, from American Racing paid $43 at a local wheel shop. The problem you will have is caliper clearance. Also I don't know if the 15" rims will clear the drum on the 14 Bolt. I think it depends on back spacing. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

07-22-2002, 02:01 PM	#4
steelsoldiers Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 79	Hey y'all, Well it's a 14-bolt FF, but it's actually from a late 70's 3/4 ton truck so the spring pad spacing should be right for my Blazer(36" I believe). That's a good deal on the rear, but I'm afraid I am going to get shafted on the Dana 60 front. They are high priced items now. That's why I have been considering going with a 8 lug Dana 44 for the time being. I am going to step up to 38" tires next year so I just want to be ready for that. Thanks for the info guys. I'll let you know what happens. Sincerely, Chris __________________ webmaster, www.steelsoldiers.com 1984 M1009 CUCV Military Blazer w/ Caddy 500 big-block and a 1970 M35A2 2.5-ton 6x6 cargo truck w/ 478ci multi-fuel straight-six engine. Both in desert tan CARC paint from Operation Desert Storm.

07-22-2002, 07:14 PM	#5
68SWB4x4 Strongman Garage Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Salinas, CA Posts: 10,241	you should be fine with a 8 lug dana 44 for now...... hell run it with the 38s to.... if it breaks you planed on replacing it anyway! __________________ Kalle 68 GMC Suburban 1500 4x4 SOLD 69 Pontiac Lemans 99 Silverado 4.8 5 speed ECSB [ Facebook Instagram Subscribe on YOUTUBE

07-23-2002, 11:19 AM	#6
steelsoldiers Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 79	Yeah, good point...it's a daily driver so it's not like I beat the crap out of it on a regular basis. I know there are some upgrades available for the 44 like stronger axle shafts and u-joints. They are a heck of a lot cheaper too. Chris __________________ webmaster, www.steelsoldiers.com 1984 M1009 CUCV Military Blazer w/ Caddy 500 big-block and a 1970 M35A2 2.5-ton 6x6 cargo truck w/ 478ci multi-fuel straight-six engine. Both in desert tan CARC paint from Operation Desert Storm.

07-22-2002, 01:25 PM	#3
7069684X4 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Fla Posts: 29	Hey steelsoldiers(cool handle by the way) I have heard and read that the 1 ton rears from 73 up have the same spring perch spacing as 67-72 which is different from the 73 and up 1/2 and 3/4 tons. Would like to hear how this goes with you. I am myself looking for 1 ton axles for my truck, 70 running gear, sounds like you found a good deal, so if you would let us know how it goes I for one would be thankful to ya.

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