Axle Swap Questions

[RckyMntnKng]

Ive never done this before, and was hoping you guys could steer me in the right direction so things go smooth! I'm installing axles along with 6" Tuff Country Springs on my 71 Jimmy. I have a couple questions...

Would a 14bolt from a 1995 3/4 ton chevy with a "stock" locker be a good swap to the rear of my 71 Jimmy? Would I need to relocate perches? If so is it better to just buy new ones or torch off and re-use the old ones?

Will I need to lengthen the driveshaft front and rear?

Ive found a fresh rebuilt Dana 44 with matching 4.10s from a 71 k20, will this be a direct bolt in for my front? What steering arm would I need to work with the 6" lift?

Please "throw" out any ideas or thoughts! REALLY APPRECIATED!

Ive completed my 3" body lift with new polys and got a-hold of some Centerlines and 36" swampers so im anxious to get axles in!

[Burt4x4]

Ya, the D44 will bolt right in.
Not to sure if the 14bolt will need perchs moved. I did have to move my 14percehes inward about 1.5" each side.
Best to measure your current distance and compare.
Search..the answers are out there

[SeventyOne]

If you do have to move the perches on the 14b you should buy some new ones - they are pretty cheap and the edges won't be mangled from removing the old one.

[RckyMntnKng]

Our Perches are 2.5" wide right? I will get new ones.

Do they make new shock mount brackets in case those need moved on the axle as well?

Can you guys steer me towards the right steering drop arm for 6" on either a Dana 44 or Dana 60 front? Ive gotten confused on the different types with the open / closed knuckle vs kingpin stuff.

Am I going to have off-centered tires in the wheel wheels now? I know I heard about the fix for that somewhere.

Thanks for all the help, Im going to become a supporter of this great board

[vtblazer]

Get a mod to throw this thread over to the 4x4 section and the guys that do this stuff in their sleep will jump in.

I'm not positive of the spring plate spacing for what years but I do know that the '86 CUCV 14bff axle I installed in my '69 blazer bolted right up, just need to relocate the shock mounts on it.

[Burt4x4]

Here is a shot of my 14ff right after I put it in, you can see the old rust marks from the u-bolts in the old location. Sorry I don't know what year this axel is or what it came out of. It's been modified so..

I re-used my perches heheheh cuz they are solid

Sorry don't know about the drop arm, I have crossover.

I would try and find a D60 and skip on the D44, D60 is much stronger. D44's work but you have to like trail repairs and carnage

[Jtrux]

IF the 14 bolt u have is from a 3/4 ton then it WILL need to have the perches relocated. 14 bolts from 1 ton trucks DO NOT need to have the perches moved such as what VT experienced.

Hope this helps.

[RckyMntnKng]

Very helpfull, thanks. Seems like all the 14's I see are from 3/4 tons, but perches being moved isnt a hard fix.

What parts do you see "break" in the woods, on a 44 compared to a 60?

[Burt4x4]

When I ran a D44 I broke:
Axel shaft u-joint & the axelshaft ears the ujoint presses into - 3times
upgraded to CMoly axels - broke one more ujoint but the ears servived.
upgraded to CTM ujoint - boke Warn Hubs
Upgraded to Warn Hub fuses - broke 3 fuses (easy fix so no worries, but still broke)
bent tierod - upgraded to "rockrod"
bent driveline (not realy D44 related I guess)
hmmm...I think that is it
Now I am D60 w/crossover/highsteer & Hydro Assist:

[RckyMntnKng]

Wow, you sure are hard on stuff !

Dangit I better just do what im advised....D60

[farmboy4ever]

yes you will need to move the perches in a couple of inches. buy new ones. Rough Stuff is who I went with. they are a little wider and longer that stock so they help with axle wrap don't buy the axle wrap model though they are way to long for 4x4 apps. and I did needed to move my shock mounts to so I bought new from Rough Stuff.

the 44 will fit. and is a fine axle I haven't had to many problems with them.there is a weak link it is on the short side axle shaft right at the u joint.they like to brake the ear off. Mostly it is when running a locker and have it engaged and making a hard turn.

with a 6" lift youwill need to lengten your drive lines and it would be best to use a drop down steering arm. because stretching the drag link that far makes it a weak link also.

I have a 72 blazer with a 14ff and 44, 4:56 gears, air lockers front and back. no body lift and 4" of lift in the springs. I run 36 boggers no problem. I love the wheel wells on these rigs I can stuff a bigger tire with no cutting the body or anything. also the wider 14ff makes the front and back tires line up and run in the same track.

[RckyMntnKng]

very helpfull thanks gentlemen

[LONGHAIR]

Moved as requested

[b454rat]

If the axle is from a 95, you will have to move the perches. Right now your perches are at 40.5", the 95 axle is 45 or 46", been awhile since I measured one. The Dana 44 will bolt right in, and should be OK with the 36s. But depends how you drive and what you want to do with the truck. Rocks, forget it, go with a 60. Everything else would probly be OK, rocks are tough on axles...