Axle and transmission upgrade questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

one_ton_k5 · 02-04-2008, 01:37 PM

Hello, this is my first post here.

I just bought a nice 71 k5 that needs some help in order to be all it can be. As you might have guessed by my user name, I am going to install one ton axles and new springs.

I am going with the Dana 60 up front.

For the rear, I searched this site and others and I have come to the conclusion that I will have to move the spring pads and shock mounts. Is there a version of the 14 bolt that would bolt right in so that I could avoid this step?

I know the gov-lok sucks, I am going with the ARB and a disk brake conversion. What are the differences with the later model 14 bolt ff axles and do I need to worry about a carrier break since I will be using an ARB?

I can buy a 1991 one ton Suburban from a friend for all the donor parts.

Thanks for your help, I know that's a lot of questions but I can't seem to find definitive answers by searching.

-Dave

**tll74** · 02-04-2008, 04:26 PM

The 10.5 14 bolt was never produced with the spring-shock configuration of the 72 and earlier trucks. So you will have to change them. As for your second question, yes there are carrier breaks 4.10-higher and 4.56-lower. The 10.5 14 bolt is the same inside from birth to current except for the inner pinion bearing which was increased in 1988. I have never heard of or seen a 1 ton suburban. Be carefull with the 91 Sub, it originaly would have come with a 9.5 14 bolt semi float. Unless it was a 2wd 454 truck. hope this helps

one_ton_k5 · 02-05-2008, 01:12 AM

Are you saying there are no suburbans with a 14 bolt FF and D60 combo?

Thanks for the information.

westcoastflatbedder · 02-05-2008, 01:28 PM

I just put a dana 60 rear in my 72 K10.I got the rear end and leaf spring out of a 76 ford factory highboy truck.It fits perfect,only mods are brake line mods,and I had to shim the leaf springs,perfect fit

one_ton_k5 · 02-05-2008, 01:35 PM

I had heard you could do that. But for me I want one ton gear, as much for the brakes as the strength.

People run 38" tires and don't pay enough attention to their brakes!

I want to stop my 38's on a dime.

Big brakes + big axles = no worries.

westcoastflatbedder · 02-05-2008, 01:38 PM

I'm pretty sure a 3/4 ton dana 60 and brakes are enough,thats why I changed it over from 1/2 ton

02-04-2008, 01:37 PM	#1
one_ton_k5 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: St Paul Minnesota Posts: 13	Axle and transmission upgrade questions Hello, this is my first post here. I just bought a nice 71 k5 that needs some help in order to be all it can be. As you might have guessed by my user name, I am going to install one ton axles and new springs. I am going with the Dana 60 up front. For the rear, I searched this site and others and I have come to the conclusion that I will have to move the spring pads and shock mounts. Is there a version of the 14 bolt that would bolt right in so that I could avoid this step? I know the gov-lok sucks, I am going with the ARB and a disk brake conversion. What are the differences with the later model 14 bolt ff axles and do I need to worry about a carrier break since I will be using an ARB? I can buy a 1991 one ton Suburban from a friend for all the donor parts. Thanks for your help, I know that's a lot of questions but I can't seem to find definitive answers by searching. -Dave __________________ Dave Erickson 1971 Chevy k5 Blazer 4x4

02-04-2008, 04:26 PM	#2
tll74 "Junkyard Dog" Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Springfield Oregon Posts: 2,527	Re: Axle and transmission upgrade questions The 10.5 14 bolt was never produced with the spring-shock configuration of the 72 and earlier trucks. So you will have to change them. As for your second question, yes there are carrier breaks 4.10-higher and 4.56-lower. The 10.5 14 bolt is the same inside from birth to current except for the inner pinion bearing which was increased in 1988. I have never heard of or seen a 1 ton suburban. Be carefull with the 91 Sub, it originaly would have come with a 9.5 14 bolt semi float. Unless it was a 2wd 454 truck. hope this helps

02-05-2008, 01:12 AM	#3
one_ton_k5 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: St Paul Minnesota Posts: 13	Re: Axle and transmission upgrade questions Are you saying there are no suburbans with a 14 bolt FF and D60 combo? Thanks for the information. __________________ Dave Erickson 1971 Chevy k5 Blazer 4x4

02-05-2008, 01:28 PM	#4
westcoastflatbedder Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: JAMESTOWN, TN Posts: 34	Re: Axle and transmission upgrade questions I just put a dana 60 rear in my 72 K10.I got the rear end and leaf spring out of a 76 ford factory highboy truck.It fits perfect,only mods are brake line mods,and I had to shim the leaf springs,perfect fit

02-05-2008, 01:35 PM	#5
one_ton_k5 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: St Paul Minnesota Posts: 13	Re: Axle and transmission upgrade questions I had heard you could do that. But for me I want one ton gear, as much for the brakes as the strength. People run 38" tires and don't pay enough attention to their brakes! I want to stop my 38's on a dime. Big brakes + big axles = no worries. __________________ Dave Erickson 1971 Chevy k5 Blazer 4x4

02-05-2008, 01:38 PM	#6
westcoastflatbedder Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: JAMESTOWN, TN Posts: 34	Re: Axle and transmission upgrade questions I'm pretty sure a 3/4 ton dana 60 and brakes are enough,thats why I changed it over from 1/2 ton



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