making a 72 halfton a good tow vehicle

[jeep534]

I would like to put a full float rear end in my truck with matching wheels, ideas without a ton of work and disc brakes all around. My truck does have optional leaf springs in the rear

[trevrolet65]

I don't know if they make a five lug for full float. They do make 6 lug for semi float. I'm looking into hummer 5 lug for my 9.5'' semi. Not sure if they will work, some are more narrow than others, but I sure would like to run that 9.5'' in my 71 big block, don't tell noone but I'm gonna run some tall gears and I want it bullet proof for a 140mph big block! Intersted if you find something like that. By the way, the corperate 10.5'' full float ways like 500lbs, I know i just changed mine from 9.5 to 10.5.

[jeep534]

Originally Posted by trevrolet65

I don't know if they make a five lug for full float. They do make 6 lug for semi float. I'm looking into hummer 5 lug for my 9.5'' semi. Not sure if they will work, some are more narrow than others, but I sure would like to run that 9.5'' in my 71 big block, don't tell noone but I'm gonna run some tall gears and I want it bullet proof for a 140mph big block! Intersted if you find something like that. By the way, the corperate 10.5'' full float ways like 500lbs, I know i just changed mine from 9.5 to 10.5.

what exactly is semi float
thank you
archie =) =) =)

[MrSchaeferPants]

Originally Posted by jeep534

what exactly is semi float
thank you
archie =) =) =)

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showp...87&postcount=2

A difference in strength.

[Coley]

Before you get into a 'ton of work' (pardon the pun).....what is it you want to tow?....and what does it weigh?
Coley

[special-K]

The leaf rear makes it easy. You can find a 14-bolt full floater for cheap. It will require moving shock mounts and spring pads. You can swap the front from the ball joints out from a C/20. Either find a crappy and cheap C/20 from these years or even a later one and have everything you need,then get scrap money back. I believe you can even use the 88-98 front end assembly on these trucks.

[special-K]

Here's a picture of a semi-float:
http://www.agweb.com/assets/1/10/Gal...It%20There.jpg

Nah,semi-floating means the weight of the vehicle rides on the axle vs full-floating means the weigh bears on a spindle and the axle spins freely inside. Semi-floating is actually not floating at all,but fully bearing and that's how the 1/2t trucks (12-bolt rear) are. In the late-70s they came out with a light duty 8-lug rear (14-bolt) that is semi-floating. I'm not sure why this was even brought up.If your need to to increase towing capability and you're changing the rear axle you might as well go all the way and get a full-floating 14-bolt. If you don't want to change your lug pattern from 5-lug and you're not towing more than a couple tons you can just beef up you suspension,put trailer brakes on,heavy ply tires,and lower gears if they are too high now. I'd do c-clip eliminators,too.

[jeep534]

Thanks guys my truck has a c clip axle and one of the axles are bent( dont ask ) i am putting a gooseneck hitch in the bed and setting it up for towing. I want a full float rear and disk brakes in the rear air bags in the rear and possibly some sort of traction bar set up . as well which means I will need to change the front pattern or put wheel covers on I want it stealthy ish not hiked up in the back i may just go with a big bearing nine inch ford (shhhh) i know and a locking differental

Happy Hunting
archie =) =) =)

[trevrolet65]

The 9.5 semi float axle is a strong almost bullet proof. Not as stong as the 10.5, but still stronger than a (shhhh) or a 12 bolt. 4x4 guys change to those and put 6 lug axles, thus bullet proof off roading, and better ground clearance than the 10.5. Some old 454ss trucks had the 9.5 stock with 5 lug, but they are rare. I think it would be easier to find a junk yard disc brake set up, and adapt to your truck if you want the disk brake, other wise, 6 lug roters and six lug 9.5 axles would be plenty strong.

[special-K]

You don't need rear discs. An 8-lug rear has excellent drum brakes and will stop anything you put in or pull behind a truck. Been that way for every and still that way on semis...all four corners. I'd save the disc brake money and put a full-floating rear and 3/4t knuckles on front. None of this has anything to do with ride height and even the rear can ride level if you use auxiliary air bags.

[trevrolet65]

Originally Posted by special-K

You don't need rear discs. An 8-lug rear has excellent drum brakes and will stop anything you put in or pull behind a truck. Been that way for every and still that way on semis...all four corners. I'd save the disc brake money and put a full-floating rear and 3/4t knuckles on front. None of this has anything to do with ride height and even the rear can ride level if you use auxiliary air bags.

Best advice yet, sir. Other than finding a 3/4 ton cheap, already set up, maybe do some motor work or something like that on 'er. Remember the brake backer plates on the 9.5 are the same on the 10.5. That will help in the e-brake assembly, which ever your truck may have.

[Mike C]

Should try and find someone on the board who wants to convert his 3/4 ton to half and trade all of your 1/2 ton parts.