Axle Swap - Will this fit my truck?

[dietz4ibanez]

This was probably what your buddy has...

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:...=2&t=1&usg=AFrqEzc9qEs-Gr9ip1dNHVxMq32pQo64HA

 

[nubuilder]

Damn. That was a good deal too.

Brian, I know you mentioned you looked into converting your K1500 to 8-lug. How much would that cost and what would I need to do the front end?
I'm guessing I'd need discs and hubs. What else?

I just figured if I can get a FF for $175, why not when a SF costs $150.

I will have to look arounf for you on that price but I know that it a lot more than what you would have into a SF regeared with new pinion and ring gear with disc brake conversion...

I would have considered just buying 8 lug wheels for the rear and 6 for the front before getting those adaptors...

Imo, I would be doing a SAS before spending money on those adaptors.. And your best bet with those adaptors is have a local place make/mold them for you....

Unless you plan on running super super dee duper swompers above 38"s you would not know any different between a FF or a Sf...

I'd rather spend the money and convert the front to 8-lug before using any adapters. Couldn't I just buy K2500 front end parts?
Well, if I'm going 8-lug out back, I might just need that kit from you for discs.
I will not be running huge tires at all.
I have no problem running 8-lug, but if I'm going 8 in the back, I'm going 8 up front.

I just found a thread over on GMT that you posted in about the SAS. No way I'm sticking 8-10k into the front end!

 

[nubuilder]

This was probably what your buddy has...

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:5NQ9eoq-T6UdtM::www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t%3D853055%26page%3D2&t=1&usg=AFrqEzc9qEs-Gr9ip1dNHVxMq32pQo64HA

Well, the drum/hub looks almost right. It was in a '73 C20. The axle was in the truck and it was dark out when we were putting it all back together. Oh, and those drums must weigh 75lbs!

 

[nubuilder]

The more I look into this, the more I might have to give up the FF in favor of a SF and swaping axles .

EDIT:
Just looked on AutoZone. An 8-lug hub, just one, is $260.
RockAuto has 6-lug axles for either $94 or $253 each (33 1/8", fits both sides).

Hmm, looking more and more like a SF .

 

[NMRam]

Why don't you just locate a 6 lug SF 14 bolt out of a GMT 400. They are not as common as the 10 bolts, but they are out there and are good axles for standard duty use. They were generally found in the diesel 1/2 tons or the "heavy payload package" 1/2 tons with the 350, and were also found in the light duty (<8600 gvw) 3/4 tons, usually gas.

As was mentioned earlier, you would have to cut/reweld all the perches, shock mounts, etc on the older model axle, as well as convert to 8 lugs up front. Seems like it would be alot more trouble than it is worth.

 

[nubuilder]

Why don't you just locate a 6 lug SF 14 bolt out of a GMT 400. They are not as common as the 10 bolts, but they are out there and are good axles for standard duty use. They were generally found in the diesel 1/2 tons or the "heavy payload package" 1/2 tons with the 350, and were also found in the light duty (<8600 gvw) 3/4 tons, usually gas.

As was mentioned earlier, you would have to cut/reweld all the perches, shock mounts, etc on the older model axle, as well as convert to 8 lugs up front. Seems like it would be alot more trouble than it is worth.

Yes, I have come to the realization.

If I buy a SF, would I need anything other than axles to swap to 6-lug?

There's a SF that's 25min away for $150. It just doesn't say what it is out of.
I guess I'm not worried about the specs of it at all. I plan on putting in it 3.42's, a TruTrac, and then probably axles too.

EDIT:
Just called the guy about the SF. Said it was out of a mid 80's Suburban. So I'm guessing it is out? (idiot thought that 88-98 went to FF; apparently doesn't know anything)

 

[NMRam]

Up to 92 the Suburban was still the R/V platform, so it wouldn't bolt in either. Keep looking!

 

[dietz4ibanez]

Up to 92 the Suburban was still the R/V platform, so it wouldn't bolt in either. Keep looking!

That's where the rear came from that I put in my black truck...

 

[dietz4ibanez]

Hey Matt I think your best bet is and I am sure you know is the sf...

I would just hold out and search cause I don't think you are in dire need for it right now. I held out till I found one and jumped on it. I was able to get mine handed to me...

Worse case you find one with 8 lug and you switch it over to 6. But it will be easiest..

 

[Bigredmariner]

I found this Matt, I know his truck is a newer model but it has some good pics.

http://www.performancetrucks.net/forums/showthread.php?t=441553