Best way to change axle ratios? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

The Youngen · 02-27-2013, 03:42 PM

I currently have a wide selection of axles. A 14 bolt full floater, A 14 bolt semi floater, A dana 44 with drum brakes and manual locking hubs and a 10 bolt with disc brakes and locked hubs. They all are 8 lug and 4.10 gears. The 10 bolt and dana 44 are front axles. The truck is a k20 so the ultimate goal is 8 lug, discs front, manual locking hubs all with 3.42 gears. What is the best way to accomplish this for the least cost. Help!

wilkin250r · 02-27-2013, 04:47 PM

I don't know much about axle swaps, can each be swapped in an out? Will the 10-bolt fit right in place of the D44, and vice versa?

**argonaut** · 02-27-2013, 08:42 PM

Replace the ring and pinion gears in the 10 bolt and the 14 bolt full floater. Then bolt them under the truck.
Not really a lot of other options, using what you have.
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76k10 · 02-27-2013, 11:50 PM

Are any of them the same ratio?

Rubble · 02-28-2013, 01:00 AM

What size tires are you running? Those 4:10s might work better for you..
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superlifted · 02-28-2013, 01:22 AM

I got 35 inch tires and 3/4 ton front Dana 44 and a 14 bolt rear end with 4:11 gears. I love em.
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low67chevy · 02-28-2013, 11:58 AM

14bolt ff and sell off the 10 bolt and d44 and buy a dana 60 saves time down the rd
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dieseldawg142 · 02-28-2013, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by low67chevy

14bolt ff and sell off the 10 bolt and d44 and buy a dana 60 saves time down the rd
Posted via Mobile Device

x2

martindc1 · 03-02-2013, 11:13 PM

Well if the truck he's building up is the K20 with the TH400 and the 6.2 diesel he's going to want either those 3.42s or 3.73s depending on what size tires he uses. The 14BFF would be pretty straightforward to change gears as the pinion shim goes between the pinion bearing retainer and housing, thus no pressing on and pulling off the pinion bearing to get the right shim. And the carrier doesn't use shims as the carrier has adjusting nuts to set preload and backlash. Here is a good how-to article with pictures:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...4b_Gear_Setup/

If it were me I'd try to find a 3.42 or 3.73 front axle locally and then swap gears in the 14 Bolt to match. You should be able to find a complete axle for less than what you'd have in new parts to swap gears. Since you have a 4.10 14BFF you won't need a new carrier.

02-27-2013, 03:42 PM	#1
The Youngen Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Westbrook CT Posts: 81	Best way to change axle ratios? I currently have a wide selection of axles. A 14 bolt full floater, A 14 bolt semi floater, A dana 44 with drum brakes and manual locking hubs and a 10 bolt with disc brakes and locked hubs. They all are 8 lug and 4.10 gears. The 10 bolt and dana 44 are front axles. The truck is a k20 so the ultimate goal is 8 lug, discs front, manual locking hubs all with 3.42 gears. What is the best way to accomplish this for the least cost. Help! __________________ 71 Chevy C10 350/TH350 71 GMC C20 350 (donor truck) 82 Chevy K20 Suburban 6.2/TH400/NP 95 Chevy 4x4 1500 Tahoe 6.5T/4L80E 04 Chevy 4x4 3500 Silverado 6.6T Duramax/Allison 1000 (work truck) 09 Chevy Aveo 1.6L/5 speed manual

02-27-2013, 04:47 PM	#2
wilkin250r Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Lake Tahoe, Nevada Posts: 755	Re: Best way to change axle ratios? I don't know much about axle swaps, can each be swapped in an out? Will the 10-bolt fit right in place of the D44, and vice versa? __________________ I know a little about cars, but if you have a question about electricity or sport quads, I'm your man!!!

02-27-2013, 08:42 PM	#3
argonaut Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 1,813	Re: Best way to change axle ratios? Replace the ring and pinion gears in the 10 bolt and the 14 bolt full floater. Then bolt them under the truck. Not really a lot of other options, using what you have. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Jason M. @argonaut62 1972 K5 Blazer CST, Turquoise 1966 K20 Short Fleet Pickup, Big Ugly 1964 C10 Short Fleet, Gertrude 2001 Porsche 911 Carrera 1996 Ford Bronco XLT 1980 Jeep Wagoneer 2008 Honda CBR1000RR 2005 Honda RC51 1981 Honda CB750C No dis-assemble Johnny Five! No dis-assemble!

02-27-2013, 11:50 PM	#4
76k10 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Posts: 131	Re: Best way to change axle ratios? Are any of them the same ratio?

02-28-2013, 01:00 AM	#5
Rubble Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Big Valley. Alberta Posts: 674	Re: Best way to change axle ratios? What size tires are you running? Those 4:10s might work better for you.. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1977 Chev C30 454/465/14ff DRW 1974 Chev C20.350/465/14ff " Rock n Roll ain't noise pollution"

02-28-2013, 01:22 AM	#6
superlifted Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: farmington nm Posts: 178	Re: Best way to change axle ratios? I got 35 inch tires and 3/4 ton front Dana 44 and a 14 bolt rear end with 4:11 gears. I love em. Posted via Mobile Device

02-28-2013, 11:58 AM	#7
low67chevy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Kelowna BC Canada Posts: 91	Re: Best way to change axle ratios? 14bolt ff and sell off the 10 bolt and d44 and buy a dana 60 saves time down the rd Posted via Mobile Device

03-02-2013, 11:13 PM	#9
martindc1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: La Crosse, WI Posts: 218	Re: Best way to change axle ratios? Well if the truck he's building up is the K20 with the TH400 and the 6.2 diesel he's going to want either those 3.42s or 3.73s depending on what size tires he uses. The 14BFF would be pretty straightforward to change gears as the pinion shim goes between the pinion bearing retainer and housing, thus no pressing on and pulling off the pinion bearing to get the right shim. And the carrier doesn't use shims as the carrier has adjusting nuts to set preload and backlash. Here is a good how-to article with pictures: http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...4b_Gear_Setup/ If it were me I'd try to find a 3.42 or 3.73 front axle locally and then swap gears in the 14 Bolt to match. You should be able to find a complete axle for less than what you'd have in new parts to swap gears. Since you have a 4.10 14BFF you won't need a new carrier. __________________ Currently truckless, previous trucks: 67 K20, 87 K10 aka V10 & 72 C10



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