Question's About Axle Size, Ratio's, And What Should Be Where.
 

I have a 3/4 ton front Axle with locking hubs. It has an 8 Lug, The Back Axle as I know is a GM Corporate 14 Bolt with a 3.73 Gear Ratio and is a 1/2 ton, Like I have said this rig has never been off road, However, I don't know what any of this really means, A friend of mine has said that having a 1/2 ton axle is the way to go, but I am not sure how to come about this. Is there anyway I could Have some Help to figure this stuff out?

Re: Question's About Axle Size, Ratio's, And What Should Be Where.
 

Well - if it's got 8 lugs it's not a half ton.

8 Lugs are 3/4 or one ton.

I wouldn't recommend putting 1/2 ton axles in your 3/4 ton truck and I don't know why your buddy would recommend it either. Makes zero sense.

K

Re: Question's About Axle Size, Ratio's, And What Should Be Where.
 

I have a 1979 GMC Jimmy High Sierra, with a Corporate 14 Bolt 3/4 ton back axle.
It has a 1/2 ton Front Original Corporate 10 Bolt 1/2 ton Front axle, I am guessing the guy I bought my Jimmy Full Sized from converted the 10 Bolt axle from a 6 Lug to a 8 Lug, because It does have other parts on it. Not to mention a 1987 Chevy Suburban Front Hood, Fenders and Bow-tie Grill. I previous owner of My Rig also removed the original Transmission which was Automatic, And is now a 4 Speed with a 205 Transfer Case. This Rig has been identified as a K5 Blazer, But On my Registration it States a 1979 Jimmy High Sierra.

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/...psddb9836a.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3b011c6f.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/...ps11636e2c.jpg

Re: Question's About Axle Size, Ratio's, And What Should Be Where.
 

It is quite the mutt. As you pointed out, you have an 81+ front end (hood, fenders, core support), with at least an 83+ grille. Axles swap in and out of these with ease...the Corporate 10 bolt front could be original, but it has had at least the 6-lug hubs swapped for 8-lug ones. You still have the '79 front bumper.

If your registration says it's a GMC Jimmy then it is a GMC Jimmy. Same thing is the K5 Blazer, just better looking (I'm biased, I like the three letters).

What do YOU want to do with it, is the question? You expressed concern about the axles, why? Your friend who talked about axles is a little off the mark... Your front end has two more lug studs on each side over the stock 1/2 ton axles, think of that as irrelevant. Your rear axle though, tremendous upgrade over the original 1/2 ton axle. It is much stronger, has much better brakes, and is often times the most preferred upgrade for these trucks.

Re: Question's About Axle Size, Ratio's, And What Should Be Where.
 

I am figuring to replace the whole front back to a 73 GMC Jimmy just because I love the round halogen bulbs. not to mention it looks cooler then the slanted 87 Suburban. I want a full original High Sierra Jimmy from 1979, when they rolled off the assembly line.

Re: Question's About Axle Size, Ratio's, And What Should Be Where.
 

Excellent choice! It is always great to see as original as possible vehicles.
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Re: Question's About Axle Size, Ratio's, And What Should Be Where.
 

Thank You Devin, I figured that its gonna cost me around $15,000 to get the rig to the way it used to look like, but it being a 79 High Sierra Jimmy, I prefer the look from the 73 Jimmy more.