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Old 06-13-2014, 11:10 PM   #1
dyno
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4x4 Front and rear axle different width question

Just blew up the 12 bolt rear end 86 GMC half ton 4x4 and found a replacement. My rig has a rear axle width thats about 3 1/2" narrower than the front. The replacement rear axle is exactly the same width as my front. Will the truck track differently in snow or mud?
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Old 06-14-2014, 02:29 AM   #2
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Re: 4x4 Front and rear axle different width question

On a 4x4 the front axle is always a tiny bit wider,Why i couldn't tell you but its normal.
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Old 06-14-2014, 09:39 AM   #3
dyno
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Re: 4x4 Front and rear axle different width question

Yes, i know that. I was just wondering if its going to make a difference in handling if they are both the same width.
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Old 06-14-2014, 05:35 PM   #4
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Re: 4x4 Front and rear axle different width question

Quote:
Originally Posted by dyno View Post
Yes, i know that. I was just wondering if its going to make a difference in handling if they are both the same width.
Yes, it may make a difference in that it may handle a bit better.
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Old 06-14-2014, 05:41 PM   #5
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Re: 4x4 Front and rear axle different width question

I have always wondered this also....
What did the replacement axel come out of ???
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Old 06-14-2014, 09:08 PM   #6
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Re: 4x4 Front and rear axle different width question

Its probably from a cab and chassis truck those used shorter axles then a normal pickup.
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Old 06-14-2014, 09:32 PM   #7
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Re: 4x4 Front and rear axle different width question

But he said It was longer.... Or am I confused ?
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Old 06-15-2014, 12:55 AM   #8
Edahall
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Re: 4x4 Front and rear axle different width question

The newer GMT400 trucks had wider rear axles.
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Old 06-15-2014, 01:21 AM   #9
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Re: 4x4 Front and rear axle different width question

Is the new axle a 12 bolt also or is it something bigger?
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Old 06-15-2014, 11:40 AM   #10
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Re: 4x4 Front and rear axle different width question

Yes some of the cab and chassis truck had a different frame width resulting in different perch widths. As far as track width, yes the front end was designed wider for better traction so the rear tires would get fresh turf to grab. As has been said a rear the same track width as the front should help it handle better and personally would not think it would matter for traction. (How often are you going to be going dead straight in mud or snow?
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Old 06-16-2014, 09:46 AM   #11
dyno
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Re: 4x4 Front and rear axle different width question

Actually, the guy I'm getting the replacement rear end mis-measured and its exactly the same width as the one in there now.
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Old 06-17-2014, 01:40 PM   #12
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Re: 4x4 Front and rear axle different width question

Damn.... I was starting to have math class panic attacks again !!!!!!
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Old 06-18-2014, 10:32 AM   #13
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Re: 4x4 Front and rear axle different width question

No, you won't feel any difference. I swapped in a 9.5" rear end with the same width as my front axle. I really can't tell any difference while driving. I'm maybe 1/2" wider in back than the front.....
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Old 06-18-2014, 06:52 PM   #14
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Re: 4x4 Front and rear axle different width question

Really depends on your tire/wheel combo as well. I have 15x14 wheels, wut my fronts are 38x14 and rears 38x16 so my track width difference becomes non-existant. It is pretty badass having those wide meaty SOB's in the back.
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