Axle swap question

[phishfud]

My 84 K10 currently has 10 bolts front and rear. Truck is stock other than running 33's. I plan on a 4" lift and maybe 35's, but I came across a guy selling some axles at a decent price. He has a Dana 44 front/12 bolt rear with 3.73's for $200. I read that the later 10 bolts are as strong as the 44, but how does the rear 10 fair vs. the 12? Would this be a worthwhile swap considering my future plans? I was trying to stay with 6 lugs to avoid getting new rims, but if there is no real gain here (other than the gears) maybe I'll pass. Any info would be appreciated.

Forgot to mention,I also came across a set of 3/4 ton axles with 4.10's, but not sure what they are. All the ad said was "cheap". I know I'd have to get new rims for the 8 lugs, but anything else for a 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton swap? Thanks for any input.

Terry

[1969k10stepside]

You should really have some lower gears with 35s than 3:73s.33s and 3:73s will be fine but wheeling with 35s and 3:73s wont be a good combo.I would go with the 4:10s and 3/4 ton axles.The front is the same 1/2 or 3/4 except for the hubs,ect.The rear,is it a 14 bolt?It probably has gov lock which I would steer away from.I like the Ho52 and ho72 for the rear,or 14 bolt without gov lock.For the front,with heavy wheeling a dana 60 is in order,but but but,they aren't cheap

[bloertcher]

44 and 12 bolt aren't enogh stroger to justify the work,IMO.
14 bolt and 44 would be a good way to go,I have never broke a 14 bolt,and lord knows I've tried.That is,assuming,it's not a Gov-Junk as previously mentioned.Either way,if you wheel often,be aware that sooner or later,you'll end up with the heavier axles.The question is,now or later?

[Zoomad75]

I agree. swapping 10 bolts out for a D44 and a 12 bolt isn't gaining you much. the 12 bolt is running a larger ring gear 8 3/4" vs 8 1/2 and slightly larger axle diameter. I'd say go with a D44/14 bolt combo. Pleanty strong and the 4.10's are better suited to the 35's.

Think of it this way. Just compare the cost of 8 lug wheels vs regearing your 1/2 axles to better suit the 35's. You'll spend close to a grand regearing if upgrade to some kind of locker/limited slip. While you might spend 200 on wheels (cheap steelies). Even with the regeared 1/2 ton axles your chances of breaking go up compared to 35's on 3/4 ton axles.

Just make sure the 14bolt is a full floater and not a semi floater. If you have a hub sticking through the wheel, it's a full floater.

[special-K]

Even if it`s a 14-bolt semi-floater it`s worth the swap.

[bloertcher]

agreed,the SF 14 bolt is darn tough,way better than any 1/2 ton offering.In fact,from 88-96(?) they where available in L/D 3/4 tons in 6 lug,that might even be worth looking into,if you don't mind fabbing spring pads and shock mounts.

[phishfud]

So I got some more info on the set of 3/4 ton axles. Rear is a 14 SF, and front is a D44 (IIRC). Both have 4.10's. Guy is askin $400 for the pair, and it includes the leafs if I want em. Is this a decent price? Any info would be great. Thanks guys.

Terry

[bloertcher]

That would be a good buy IF the frontend doesn't need a ton of work.The dana44 selection that I have dealt with used almost always need new ball joints and axle u joints.If all that stuff is nice and tight,then I'd say they'd be worth the $400.Do a careful inspection,though,pull the covers,check gear ratios,etc.I don't think a SF 14 bolt and Dana 44 would have ever been in the same truck from the factory,not that they can't be used together,just make sure your getting usable stuff.It's a "buyer beware" world that we live in.

[snj8198]

That sounds like a decent deal as long as the front is not needing an over haul like bloertcher stated. Now if the D44 and SF14 are 6 lug then you can use your current wheels. If you are staying 6 lug the SF14 is the way to go. By the way if you shop around for mounts you can use your front 10 bolt's rotors and calipers on the SF14. Also you can get a new lock-rite for under $400. Think about it.....14 bolt, lock-rite, 4.10's, 35's.....got wood?!