1/2 ton and 3/4 ton axles
08-10-2009, 09:51 PM
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1/2 ton and 3/4 ton axles
I was thinking about a different option the other day when I was reading a thread on here about different ways to beef the 10 bolt up. I started wondering about swapping out my 1/2 ton axle with a 3/4 ton axle. Has this been done before and I just didn't find the thread? Could it work, what is the spacing between leaf perches? What would be the pros/cons to this? Going 8 lug doesn't bother me so maybe a little extra weight, but how much extra? Also If the balljoints are the same between 1/2 and 3/4 tons all I think I would need to make the front 8 lug as well would be the 3/4 ton spindle, hub bearing, brake caliper, and rotor, does that sound right?
I know its a whole bunch of questions, but help me out guys. Plus I figured if I was going to start the thread I might as well get it all out.
I know its a whole bunch of questions, but help me out guys. Plus I figured if I was going to start the thread I might as well get it all out.
08-10-2009, 10:48 PM
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The link you posted is your thread is on using an obs 14 bolt for a stronger rear end right?, it looks like alot of work, removing and welding on new perches, and having to redo the brakes to keep the discs. Cool project, but im looking for more info on swapping to a 3/4 ton axle.
or is this the same style axle as the 3/4 ton, but with a 6 lug hub? i thought that the 8 lug axles were much different...
or is this the same style axle as the 3/4 ton, but with a 6 lug hub? i thought that the 8 lug axles were much different...
Last edited by 006rcsb; 08-10-2009 at 10:54 PM.
08-10-2009, 10:53 PM
#4
That is a 3/4 ton axle....im not sure what your asking....
An axle swap is not a light project unless you have exactly matching trucks with different axles. In your case, the only way you are getting a bolt-in 14b axle is with an axle from a Vmax truck that has the same gears as you, and same rear brake setup (disc/drum).
If you are looking at swapping the 10b for a 14b FF axle then thats slightly different. The FF was 500 pounds without brakes, compared to around 300 for the 10b. Add another 50 for drum brakes. It also has substaintialy less ground clearence, less options in terms of LSDs or lockers, and is general more expensive to maintain. The advantages would be you would never break it, and if you did break a shaft, the wheel wouldnt come off. They are also pretty easy to find, but you will probably still have to move perches and mounts and stuff.
An axle swap is not a light project unless you have exactly matching trucks with different axles. In your case, the only way you are getting a bolt-in 14b axle is with an axle from a Vmax truck that has the same gears as you, and same rear brake setup (disc/drum).
If you are looking at swapping the 10b for a 14b FF axle then thats slightly different. The FF was 500 pounds without brakes, compared to around 300 for the 10b. Add another 50 for drum brakes. It also has substaintialy less ground clearence, less options in terms of LSDs or lockers, and is general more expensive to maintain. The advantages would be you would never break it, and if you did break a shaft, the wheel wouldnt come off. They are also pretty easy to find, but you will probably still have to move perches and mounts and stuff.
08-10-2009, 11:10 PM
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That is a 3/4 ton axle....im not sure what your asking....
An axle swap is not a light project unless you have exactly matching trucks with different axles. In your case, the only way you are getting a bolt-in 14b axle is with an axle from a Vmax truck that has the same gears as you, and same rear brake setup (disc/drum).
If you are looking at swapping the 10b for a 14b FF axle then thats slightly different. The FF was 500 pounds without brakes, compared to around 300 for the 10b. Add another 50 for drum brakes. It also has substaintialy less ground clearence, less options in terms of LSDs or lockers, and is general more expensive to maintain. The advantages would be you would never break it, and if you did break a shaft, the wheel wouldnt come off. They are also pretty easy to find, but you will probably still have to move perches and mounts and stuff.
An axle swap is not a light project unless you have exactly matching trucks with different axles. In your case, the only way you are getting a bolt-in 14b axle is with an axle from a Vmax truck that has the same gears as you, and same rear brake setup (disc/drum).
If you are looking at swapping the 10b for a 14b FF axle then thats slightly different. The FF was 500 pounds without brakes, compared to around 300 for the 10b. Add another 50 for drum brakes. It also has substaintialy less ground clearence, less options in terms of LSDs or lockers, and is general more expensive to maintain. The advantages would be you would never break it, and if you did break a shaft, the wheel wouldnt come off. They are also pretty easy to find, but you will probably still have to move perches and mounts and stuff.
lolbut yeah im talking about swapping out a 10b with a 14b ff axle, and changing the spindle/hub/brake assembly up front to get 8 lugs all the way around. thanks for the pro/con list, i didn't think of ground clearance... you wouldnt happen to have any measurements perch to perch would you? also do you know if the axle is any wider? because im thinking it would be a direct swap if the perch spacing is correct.
08-11-2009, 12:25 AM
#7
Wheel mounting surface is going to be roughly the same between the 2wds models and the 4wds models (That is, all 4wd axles will be similiar to each other, not to 2wds), but OBS (pre 99) axles will have the springs 2" narrower.
Personally I wouldnt do a FF swap. The only guys that really benefit from those are the ones with massive tires offroading the snot out of their rigs. If you are going to do any swap considering a ford 9" or 14b sf. Although beefing up the 10b will probably do you fine if you stay with smaller tires. Its just not worth it to converter to 8lug.
Personally I wouldnt do a FF swap. The only guys that really benefit from those are the ones with massive tires offroading the snot out of their rigs. If you are going to do any swap considering a ford 9" or 14b sf. Although beefing up the 10b will probably do you fine if you stay with smaller tires. Its just not worth it to converter to 8lug.
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08-11-2009, 06:15 PM
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yeah i was digging through some 10b horror story's and was just wondering about another option. thanks for the info and clearing up some of my questions atomic. i had seen your thread before and was looking for something that would be more of a direct swap, but i completely forgot about the 14b 6 lug axle that came in the vho's and 06 and later 2wd ss's.
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