straight axle help on 88 k1500
 

so i want to straight axle my 88 k1500 i just got i can get a axle out of a 84 k10 pretty much free and my dad said hell make me the spring mounts and all that the only problem i have is the truck is driver side drop tcase and a k10 is a passenger side drop. i heard i can run a adapter to run a np208 or np205 or a tcase out of a 88-91 suburban/blazer. now is that true? i know i can run a ford dana 44 or 60. i just wanna keep the price down since its on a budget.. lol

now any help appreciated thank guys

Re: straight axle help on 88 k1500
 

Yeah look around advanceadapters.com they have kits to put just about any t case on any trans.And on the spring hangers i would just buy these http://offroaddesign.com/catalog/88-...Conversion.htm and offroadunlimited.com has the shock hoops and track bar you will need.And this might help you http://www.fourwheeler.com/techartic...e_conversions/

Re: straight axle help on 88 k1500
 

not bad only problem is $ lol so ill end up having some made. good link tho thank you ill prob do a crossover steering kit. so ill be fine running a passenger drop tcase and axle?

Re: straight axle help on 88 k1500
 

with the right parts it can be done.

Re: straight axle help on 88 k1500
 

How much are you really gonna save by using the chevy front axle assy.?
You need a pass side case, move the exhaust system to the drivers side for driveline clearance. More often than not, by SASing the year model you have the truck ends up being lifted about4-5'' minimum. You run into having to clearance the driveshaft so it will not bind on full drop, even with a cv at the t-case. Suck it up and locate a ford front housing. Way easier.

Don't forget that you nave to match the gear ratios also. What size tire you plan on running?

Re: straight axle help on 88 k1500
 

Done this swap.
Use the Ford axle. Look around, Ford made a high pinion D44 & D60. Swap spindles, brakes etc. from the straight K10 over so you will have the correct 6 bolt lug pattern. Very important! Check your 88 T-case front output, some were slip yoke some were a drive flange. The flange is the easiest for your swap.
Off Road Design makes a great kit for this swap.
Hope this helps.
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Re: straight axle help on 88 k1500
 

Being an 88 it won't have the slip yoke front shaft. SAS and cheap don't always go together. You can use the Gm front axle, but like others have mentioned it's gonna be more work and more money. If you want to use that axle, you will need to find a pass drop 241, I think 90 and I know 91 has the VSS to make your speedo work. But I think you can swap parts from your to make it work. Also need flat top pass side knuckle. No other way to get steering. I believe the Ford axle has the flat top. Also, 99.9% sure your gonna have to regear. most of the 88-up 1/2s ton I've seen have 3.42s. Dana 44s on any sort never had that gear, that is a GM gear only. You would be better off getting the front and rear from the Ford if they are 3/4 ton. Most have 4.10s, matching wheel bolt pattern and are stronger than the GM rear.

Re: straight axle help on 88 k1500
 

If hes going that far why not go ford dana 60 and a full floater 14 bolt.

Re: straight axle help on 88 k1500
 

Seems like an awful lot of work for not much return.

Personally, I'd just buy or trade your 88 for a squarebody.

Re: straight axle help on 88 k1500
 

Agreed. An 88 isn't even a nice truck like the more modern models.

Re: straight axle help on 88 k1500
 

i have a full float 14 bolt i might just do that and find a 60

Re: straight axle help on 88 k1500
 

If your going to off road the truck i would do a shave kit on the 14 bolt give you a little more ground clearance.

Re: straight axle help on 88 k1500
 

do you have any links for that? i renember hearing about that if i do sas ill have to do that cause id plan on taking it on some trails

Re: straight axle help on 88 k1500
 

Do a google search. Basically all your doing is cutting off the bottom then welding it up.

Re: straight axle help on 88 k1500
 

This video goes over shaving a 14 bolt. They take it pretty far, even removing a 1/4 inch from the ring gear. But i goes over the procedure.

http://www.powerblocktv.com/player/s...-09&ep_show=XT

Re: straight axle help on 88 k1500
 

A kit like this http://www.ballisticfabrication.com/...it_p_1728.html There is a ton of kits but that one you can buy it all even the milled down ring gear.

Re: straight axle help on 88 k1500
 

Here's a Ford high boy...not sure it would or wouldn't work in your case.

http://slo.craigslist.org/pts/3459922705.html

Re: straight axle help on 88 k1500
 

I'd pass on that. It's low pinion and not that hard to find. Look for a high pinion 44 or a 60 if you want to do hard core wheelin'...