4x4 Axles.

[bluex]

I found someone local wanting a set of 4x4 axles with 3.08 or 3.42 gears.

I want to sell him the axles from my K5, according to the glove box they are 3.08's.

My question is, His truck is a 77, and the K5 is an 87. Both have 10 bolts, his truck has manual hubs.

What will be the differences between the two. I think his main concern is getting his manual hubs in my axles which have the auto hubs. Will anything concering the brakes (lines or anything) be different? I assume the track width and mounting points for the springs and steering components are the same?

[Damien]

The steering is different. He will need the '77 parts for the '87. I think everything else is ok, but maybe someone else can confirm. Might not hurt to move this to 4x4 section.

[ghettoluxury]

It is a bolt in swap he just has to use his brakes. The lockouts in his current axle will swap into yours. The only differance is the gear ratio and calipers the 87's calipers had metric fittings.

[bluex]

Thanks guys!

Well he will have all his parts and will hopefully be able to sell the 4.11 axles after the swap.

Damien - Do you know exactly what is different in the steering? I thought the difference in the brakes would be metric/standard threads.

I just want to make sure I know exactly everything he will need to change when I call him back.

[ghettoluxury]

The only difference in steering is the center link that runs between the two hubs if this is still attached on your axle than there is no need to change it. GM used 2 or 3 different style center bars from 73-87.

[bluex]

Thanks,

I plan on unhooking the flex brake lines from the frame, pulling the pittman arm off the box and unbolting the axles from the leaf springs and giving it to him just like that. That way between the two, he should have everything he needs.

[LONGHAIR]

Originally Posted by bluex

I think his main concern is getting his manual hubs in my axles which have the auto hubs.

One thing to consider is that it will take a little more work than a simple hub swap. If you intend to keep the "automatic" hubs functional, you need to swap the locking ring from the spindle nut pack too. The automatic hubs need the four square tabs that stick out around the edges of that ring. It doesn't hurt a thing to leave them in there with the manual hubs, but you will need them if you want to re-use the autos.....not that I am recommending that LOL

[Damien]

Originally Posted by ghettoluxury

The only difference in steering is the center link that runs between the two hubs if this is still attached on your axle than there is no need to change it. GM used 2 or 3 different style center bars from 73-87.

The mount for the steering stabilizer is near the pumpkin for the '73-'76 trucks, for the '76-'80 and '81-'91 it near the ball joints. As long as you swap the steering with the axle you are fine.