1971 K20 Axle Swap

[68K20]

I have a source for a full set of axles out of a late 80's 1 ton 4x4 fleet side (Dana 60 front and 14 bolt FF) , what would I have to do to get them to work? e.g. swap perches spring mounts, etc? Thanks.

P.S. my 68 has 71 running gear right now, and I am looking for added flexibility when it come to upgrades (brakes and gears), and I am also planning to go with a big block in the not too distant future.

[1969k10stepside]

The 14 bolt rear wont require spring perches being moved but the shock mounts will have to be moved.
The front should just be a simple bolt in with the spring plates,ubolts,etc.
I dont know about driveline mods...

[68K20]

Originally Posted by 1969k10stepside

The 14 bolt rear wont require spring perches being moved but the shock mounts will have to be moved.
The front should just be a simple bolt in with the spring plates,ubolts,etc.
I dont know about driveline mods ..

Thanks.. That is what I was hoping for.

Wow just noticed your sig..looks like someone has been busy scarfing up all the 69-72 trucks in your area :-D

[1969 GMC]

Are you planning on running some pretty big tires? 38" or taller? If not, I would say sell the 1 ton axles and just pocket some coin. SRW D60's seem to fetch more $$ with each passing day.

[68K20]

Originally Posted by 1969 GMC

Are you planning on running some pretty big tires? 38" or taller? If not, I would say sell the 1 ton axles and just pocket some coin. SRW D60's seem to fetch more $$ with each passing day.

Actually I plan on hauling a 15,000 pound goose neck trailer with a 502 under the hood. So I need the better brakes up front and I also don't feel good about putting that kind of stress on a D44 front. I think the HO52 I have is plenty strong but the 14BFF I am looking at has a locker and brakes and gears are a lot easier to find.

[1969 GMC]

Originally Posted by 68K20

Actually I plan on hauling a 15,000 pound goose neck trailer with a 502 under the hood. So I need the better brakes up front and I also don't feel good about putting that kind of stress on a D44 front. I think the HO52 I have is plenty strong but the 14BFF I am looking at has a locker and brakes and gears are a lot easier to find.

I concur, you may be exceeding the design parameters of the D44 a "tad."

I didn't notice you have a KLR. How is that treating ya?

[pumpkin]

Originally Posted by 68K20

Actually I plan on hauling a 15,000 pound goose neck trailer with a 502 under the hood. So I need the better brakes up front and I also don't feel good about putting that kind of stress on a D44 front. I think the HO52 I have is plenty strong but the 14BFF I am looking at has a locker and brakes and gears are a lot easier to find.

The locker from the 14 bolt will bolt int the ho52, or ho72, if you use the 14 bolt axles. The difference between the two are that the ho72 has a bushing opposite the pinion gear that stops the ring gear from deflecting away under heave load. Tou can identify it by the screw and jam nut in the side of the case. As far as towing with a detroit locker, I tow a car trailer, that when loaded is as much as 7000 lbs. and have no problem at all. It is quite nice however when I go to back up a hill, for example on gravel, and I can do it without the tire spinning and digging a hole.

[snj8198]

not to get off track, but what's the census on towing with a locker? i've heard alot of points for and against towing heavy loads with say a detroited rear. the 4x4 mags have written articles both ways and one even built a tow rig using a detroit not long after posting an article about not using a locked rear for heavy tow applications.

regardless, enjoy your build! -steve