What to do with Jimbo?

[Heavy Evy]

So I found out today while I had my jimmy on a rack at work that my rearend is blown (to many donuts and trails) I thought I had blown my t case because only front wheel drive worked, I was going to swap in my spare t case but when I turned one of the rear wheels I noticed the other one wasnt moving , I popped the diff cover off and the fluid was metallic in color and the spider gears lay broken at the bottom of pumpkin. So what am I getting at? I'm not sure if its worth it to fix the rearend, I was thinking of doing a 3/4 or 1 ton axle swap because I beat the hell out of it and need to drive it to work and back, give me some advice and tips please because Im not sure what to do yet but I want a stronger set up.

[Jtrux]

With 6 inch lift and 35's you really should consider the 14 bolt full floater found in 3/4 ton trucks. One ton's are not a direct bolt in because the spring perches are too narrow and would need to be moved. I've never personally done the swap but it's pretty straight forward from what I understand. More than likely the donor will need new brakes and it's cheaper from what I hear to switch to disc brakes and there are many kits available online (www.diy4x.com for one) for very reasonable prices. Shock mounting should be in the same position as well. Your driveshaft will need modifying to account for the longer pinion and different size U joint. Oh and DO NOT pay more than maybe 250 for one. I've seen them from 100 to 750 from junk yards but on average 200. Hope this helps.

[Heavy Evy]

Originally Posted by Jtrux

With 6 inch lift and 35's you really should consider the 14 bolt full floater found in 3/4 ton trucks. One ton's are not a direct bolt in because the spring perches are too narrow and would need to be moved. I've never personally done the swap but it's pretty straight forward from what I understand. More than likely the donor will need new brakes and it's cheaper from what I hear to switch to disc brakes and there are many kits available online (www.diy4x.com for one) for very reasonable prices. Shock mounting should be in the same position as well. Your driveshaft will need modifying to account for the longer pinion and different size U joint. Oh and DO NOT pay more than maybe 250 for one. I've seen them from 100 to 750 from junk yards but on average 200. Hope this helps.

I heard that the 3/4 ton 14 bolt axle was a direct but I wasnt sure. What do you think would be a good front axle to run dana 44? 60? or?

[dammitmitchell]

well if you arent gonna go "big" a 14 bolt SF and d44 will be more then enough to keep your 35's going..
i got 37's on my 14bolt SF i stole out of a old burb.. i havent had any issues and it's a pretty dang clost to direct bolt in

[Jtrux]

Originally Posted by dammitmitchell

well if you arent gonna go "big" a 14 bolt SF and d44 will be more then enough to keep your 35's going..
i got 37's on my 14bolt SF i stole out of a old burb.. i havent had any issues and it's a pretty dang clost to direct bolt in

That's true, I didn't think about those. Get one out of a 4x4, not 2x4. 4x4's are wider. Lot's of z71's had them, light duty 3/4 ton's also, just make sure it's 4x4. Oh they come in 6 lug and 8 lug, a 6 lug is the way to go obviously so you don't have to swap the front out. Gear ratio will probalbly be 3.73 but it could be a 3.42 or 4.11 also. Most will have the govlok in them which is replaceable with aftermarket lockers. Again, disc brakes are cheap. Critter is a member here who knows alot about these so maybe he'll chime in.

[dammitmitchell]

yeah i scored 8 lugs off a buddy and i like them just wish i had 6 lugs i would have kept my nice rims and mickey thompsons instead..
if you get the 8 lugs they usually require 16 in rims to clear the brakes (at least on the front)
and i got "better" braking then i really need.. my truck stops nice and quick but if im doing the speed limit it likes to lock the tires pretty quick

[Heavy Evy]

So Im thinking Dana 44 up front and 14 bolt in the rear. I found some axles at the bone yeard today that look in good shape off an 80's K20 so will see.

[dammitmitchell]

sweeet im jealous of yall finding all these good deals..

[Heavy Evy]

I just found a 83 K20 for $400 obo here locally with a blown engine Im going to go look at it to see if the axles are worth a damn wish me luck.

[Jtrux]

Originally Posted by Heavy Evy

I just found a 83 K20 for $400 obo here locally with a blown engine Im going to go look at it to see if the axles are worth a damn wish me luck.

They should be fine, 8 lug 10 bolt front, 14 bolt full floater rear. Maybe you'll get lucky and it will be a big block!

[Heavy Evy]

Originally Posted by Jtrux

They should be fine, 8 lug 10 bolt front, 14 bolt full floater rear. Maybe you'll get lucky and it will be a big block!

Well I bought the truck, its looks in good shape Im going to to see if its somthing simple with the engine not running and then go from there. The truck has a 10bolt front and 14 bolt rear with a 400 small block (blah) Hopfully it will be the best 300 bucks ive spent in awhile

[Jtrux]

Originally Posted by Heavy Evy

Well I bought the truck, its looks in good shape Im going to to see if its somthing simple with the engine not running and then go from there. The truck has a 10bolt front and 14 bolt rear with a 400 small block (blah) Hopfully it will be the best 300 bucks ive spent in awhile

Good deal, post pics soon.

[Heavy Evy]

I got the truck home and after a few nights (weeks) of sleeping on it I decided to take the axles off and put them on my jimmy. I got the axles off today and I will be putting them on friday wish me luck!!