8-Lug Rear End conversion to 6-Lug Possible?
 

I understand GI surplus GM 14 Bolt rear ends are affordable.
I'm rebuilding a 1/2 ton '67 K/10 Suburban that's got a shot rear end. Is an axle swap with a 14 Bolt Free Floater in place of my 12-Bolt 3.73 Posi do-able?
I want 6-Lug axles because I have a lot of 6-Lug wheels and tires. Front end is 6-Lug as well.

:chevy:

Re: 8-Lug Rear End conversion to 6-Lug Possible?
 

I have never seen a 6 bolt 14 bolt full floater. You can get a 14 bolt semi floater in 6 bolt. Which is a very strong rear end for most peoples needs.

Re: 8-Lug Rear End conversion to 6-Lug Possible?
 

OK. I just said 'Full Floater' because that's what I've heard 3/4 ton axles are called. While I 've been driving half ton Chevys for 53 years, I know very little about the heavier equipment.
Assuming I can get hold of a 3/4 ton axle, what is the kind I can convert to six lug configuration?

Re: 8-Lug Rear End conversion to 6-Lug Possible?
 

I would guess you could use adapters which would widen axle. Custom fabrication is another option. Do not know of anything else, semi or full float. Suggest looking for a 6 lug hd axle to swap instead.
A search turned up this old post https://www.gmt400.com/threads/obs-r...e-width.18256/ maybe another way?

.

Re: 8-Lug Rear End conversion to 6-Lug Possible?
 

I bought a set of 6-Lug/6-Lug 2'' wheel adapters when I tried to run GMT-800 16'' rims [and 235/75/R16LT tires] on a '71 GMC. I liked the new tires I bought, and my speedo read right [for a change] but a weird road noise got me to take them off and put the old 33x12.50x15 meats back on. Although the tire shop had done a half-a$$ job of mounting, the noise was the front prop shaft beating itself to pieces.
In short, I don't like wheel spacers/adapters.
If I could get custom axles for a 3/4 ton diff with 6 lugs made, that would be best.

Re: 8-Lug Rear End conversion to 6-Lug Possible?
 

Re: 8-Lug Rear End conversion to 6-Lug Possible?
 

GM made several different 14 bolts.

The one that came in both 6 and 8 lug, is the 9.5" ring gear.

The common surplus axle is the 10.5" full flaoter. The axle shaft does not have the wheel flange on it. It uses a larger rear hub, that I do not believe the smaller bolt circle of the 6 lug would fit on

Their are newer 14 bolt full floaters, thay have a larger then 10.5" ring gear. But have the same issue of no 6 lug.

Been a while since I saw one, but I believe it is referred to as a 14 bolt Axn, is a 6 lug 14 bolt axle to avoid. It is the 9.5" center with 10 bolt axle tubes and necked down axle shafts

Re: 8-Lug Rear End conversion to 6-Lug Possible?
 

Thanks, I shot an email to Boyce.

[EDIT]: Boyce got back to me fast. They said they could rebuild a 14 Bolt Semi Floater w/3.73 and TrueTrac Posi for $ 4585.00 [+275 S&H].
I thanked them for their time.

I think that ends this line of inquiry.
Thanks for your comments and expertise.

Re: 8-Lug Rear End conversion to 6-Lug Possible?
 

Then again, it might be easier to rebuild the 1971 Eaton Posi 12-Bolt, 3.73 that came on the '71 Jimmy. Then reinstall it on the Jimmy, after pulling the 1967 rebuilt [c.1995] 12-Bolt 3.73 w/Auburn Posi, and restore that to the '67 K/10 Suburban.
Right now, the '71 Diff is under the '67 Sub. One side is bolted, other side is on with baling wire. Wouldn't fit. Not moved for years.

So a 14 Bolt AXN [w/6-Lugs] is to be avoided? Why?

:chevy: :gmc2:

Re: 8-Lug Rear End conversion to 6-Lug Possible?
 

If you are looking for a strength upgrade, the main reason to switch to a 14 bolt, that is by far the weakest variant. It may be the least common also.

Re: 8-Lug Rear End conversion to 6-Lug Possible?
 

You can turn the hubs down and redrill to 6 lug on a 14ff, but doesn't make alot of sense. I've only seen one, but haven't looked too hard either, but I found a Dana 60 6 lug disc brake axle in a mid 2000s GM van. I don't know what it was, 2wd, 4wd, all wheel, just kinda surprised me when i found it. If I had the money i was gonna snag it, but no yard guy ATT, and no easy way to get it out.

Re: 8-Lug Rear End conversion to 6-Lug Possible?
 

Aside from fixing the Diff on my '67 K/10 Suburban, I have a Fleetside 8' trailer that has 8 lug axles. Since I don't want to hunt down and pay a premium for more 16.5 tires, it would be nice to have 6 lug axles. No need for working differential. You can see thru it from the open back with no pan to the open hole where the universal would go. I have a lot of 6 lug rims.