Solid Axle Conversion Tech

[chev_guy67]

what do u guys think is the best rear locker for a 14ff, i dont wnna spend a bunch like the front arb but id like an auto locker (for the snowy days up here in canada) or is that a bad idea?? right now i have a 14sf with the G80 and i love it for the winter but im only 20 and havent expericenced any other diffs/lockers.

[GreaseDog]

just go with a Detroit. it'll take a little getting used to in the snow, but i know alot of guys are running them all the time. its also the cheapest option for a locker.

[chev_guy67]

ya thats what i was wondering about running a detroit on the streets alot and what not. i guess i always can used it for a bit and buy a selectable later

[91chevZ71]

ARB users-

ok, you have the air supply line into the diff, and subsequently into the bearing cap to the locker. duh. Who's running a conventional diff breather in addition to the locker supply line...which isn't a really a vent since it supplies pressure and isn't supposed to leak at all?

[bggrnchvy]

Everybody, you have to have a breather or the pressure will escape elsewhere, like axle shaft seals.

[91chevZ71]

Don't all axles have breathers in stock trim? work with me, please...he he

my 14SF has a breather, transfer case does, trans does, front IFS does (pretty d*mn sure, anyway)

[bggrnchvy]

Yes, all axles have a breather stock hence why I said everybody who has an ARB needs a breather. Everybody who doesn't have an ARB needs a breather too.

In short the ARB doesn't change the need for a breather.

[fernanbfg1]

Anyone running an axle with 36.5" width spring perches? If so, what wheel backspacing and tire width are you using?

I am still in the early stages of this project, still collecting parts. The truck is a 94' F/S Blazer and my goal is to lift it approximately 10"-11" running the TSL/SX 38.5x14.50x16.5 on a 16.5x9.75 wheel with a backspacing of 4.75"-4".

Will this lift and tire/wheel setup work, or do I need to go more narrow with the tires?

[chev_guy67]

hey good question ill need to know that too i wanna run 38.5s as well but think i might have to go a bit smaller for the 36.5 perches. also does anyone know if i keep my ford 60 outers can i throw ford rims all round (14bSF on the rear) i know that the center holes are larger on the fords but what about the stud holes?

[97diesel4x4]

you need to use less backspacing to keep the tire out from the leaf springs i think you can get 3 5/8" or less

all the older 8 lugs axles are the same 8-6.5" but the newer fords are metric

[fernanbfg1]

I did some searching and found Stockton Wheel (http://www.stocktonwheel.com/4wd_offroad.htm) which sounds like they can build any dimension needed at decent prices.

As for backspacing, I was thinking about 2"-2.5" or will my tires stick out too far?

[bggrnchvy]

Originally Posted by fernanbfg1

I did some searching and found Stockton Wheel (http://www.stocktonwheel.com/4wd_offroad.htm) which sounds like they can build any dimension needed at decent prices.

As for backspacing, I was thinking about 2"-2.5" or will my tires stick out too far?

I wouldn't go for that backspacing for wear on the wheel bearings and races and the big increase in scrub radius. Steering effort will be greatly increased as will the wear from steering on tires.

[fernanbfg1]

Guess I will have to run a more narrow tire and live with it to keep my front end alive.

[babybluebeast]

I have the opportunity to get a Chevy D60 and right hand drop transfer case for a lot less than a Ford D60. Has any one in here ever done a conversion with a Chevy axle?

[GreaseDog]

im working on one right now, but im using a 2wd truck. bggrnchvy's truck has a Chevy 60 in the front.

[babybluebeast]

I have read that the chevy axle has better knuckles and is less prone to breakage. Is anyone running the NP205 transfercase with the 4L60E tranny? If so what adapter are they using?

[bggrnchvy]

The better question is what method of adding VSS to the 205 are you planning? This being the 60e requires VSS to operate and every 27 spline 205 was a mech speedo.

And yes, the Chevy knuckle has a little more material around the upper kingpin so with highsteer breakage happens less often. However with regular crossover and hydro assist the difference is negligable.

[GreaseDog]

www.jagsthatrun.com should be able to help with VSS issues, as they're pretty well versed in EFI swaps which often also require VSS retros.

[babybluebeast]

I have located a 208 transfer case out of a 1985 for less than $100 in excellent working condition. I was just curious what it would take to put an 205 in it if I was going to switch to a right side drive shaft.

What transfer case are you using bggrnchvy?

[GreaseDog]

i would skip thry 208, not only is it mechanical speedo, but its slip yoke too, with no way to eliminate the slip yoke.

IIRC Kyle is running a 241