converting to 1 ton axles?

[MikeJones16]

I only wanted 37" tires on my truck but ended up with 40's..
Therefore i need to upgrade. I was wondering how much work it's going to be to swap over to the 1 tons. is there any specific year of one ton i need? anything to look for? also how can i identify them?

[ghettoluxury]

If you don't want to move spring pads then you need a full float 14 bolt from a 73-87 3/4 ton for the rear. Now if moving them is not a problem then you need 77-91 1 ton axles. You can also use a Dodge Dana 60 for the front about the same years. For you a Chevy Dana 60 is a direct swap up front and a 3/4 ton 14 bolt is direct for out back.

[MikeJones16]

awesome, also. Can 15" rims fit over those axles? and would it be possible to find the same gear ratio between those two axles?

[1972K20]

Originally Posted by MikeJones16

awesome, also. Can 15" rims fit over those axles? and would it be possible to find the same gear ratio between those two axles?

No, on the 15" rims. However, some people will grind the brake calipers down to make them fit. I've never been a fan of that. Just go with 16" or larger rim and your good.

Any GM solid front axle is a direct swap in for 67-91. (It could go back even further, not sure.) The the 14bolt (the rear) spring pads would need to be moved.

These are the years GM used them:
1977-87 K30 1 ton 4wd

1984-88 CUCV

1988-91.5 V30

All GM / Chevy versions were passenger side differential, regular rotation (low pinion) gears, disc brakes, 35 spline inners, 30 spline outers, internal style hubs, and kingpin knuckles.

You can find "60F" in the webbing of 60 fronts as shown here:

[MikeJones16]

these tires i got a 39.5" tall for a 15" rim .. What can i do to make sure my axles won't bust everytime i wanna go off the road?

[1972K20]

Originally Posted by MikeJones16

these tires i got a 39.5" tall for a 15" rim .. What can i do to make sure my axles won't bust everytime i wanna go off the road?

A lot of it depends on the type of off-roading you do and how heavy your right foot is.

I'm assuming you've got a Dana 44 up front now. There are different things you can do to upgrade the internals for a Dana 44 and make it stronger. Some people can make a Dana 44 hold up just fine, but others will tell you once you get over 35" tires, swap a Dana 60 in.

[MikeJones16]

I just got the stock 10 bolt up front haha. and my foot might be a bit heavy but i definitley don't have the power to bust anything. I was hoping to do a bit of a top end on it. Probably won't make more then 350 hp

[ghettoluxury]

Yes you can run 15" rims with caliper grinding or caliper brackets to use the calipers you already have. I run 15x10's on my crew and I ground the calipers to clear. The last truck I had I bought the brackets from Sumner Machine Works they were $200. There are some on e-bay for $100 I haven't bought them though. No matter what anyone tells you 15" rims will work on a Dana 60, it just takes a little work.

[mrdana60]

get some wheels with about 2 inches of back spacing and it will clear on a 60. ever truck i had runs 15 inch whels with 60 front. and some slight grinding maybe needed but nothing that would hurt anything.

[ghettoluxury]

My rims are 15x10 with 4.5" of backspacing.

[mrdana60]

most of mine was 15x12 or 15x14 with 2-3 backspacing

[Mr. 250r]

I ran 38.5s through a 10 bolt hard and it was fine but majority usually say they'll break so I dunno as far as breaking the D60 it depends also on the setup what are the gears and is there a locker
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[MikeJones16]

Well I plan putting a locker out back. and i'll probably be running 4:56 or one step lower.

[Mr. 250r]

I meant locker in front usually low gears, big tires, front locker and a happy foot breaks axles up front as for lower than 4.56 so your going for 4.88s?
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[MikeJones16]

Originally Posted by Mr. 250r

I meant locker in front usually low gears, big tires, front locker and a happy foot breaks axles up front as for lower than 4.56 so your going for 4.88s?
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Well I'm not sure which yet. I got a th350 that built tough. Max speed ill be going is 90kms an hour in the city. And my motor is about 350 to 400HP
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[MikeJones16]

I don't think I really need a locker up front. What's that benfit anyways?
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[a2tripp]

Originally Posted by MikeJones16

I don't think I really need a locker up front. What's that benfit anyways?
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sometimes it can be a difference of spending all night getting out of the hole or plowing through it. I dont hardcore wheel but I am on icy/snowy roads a lot. I have a lsd up front which is a compromise from the locker.

But if you plan on actually using those 40's then I would imagine that you would wanna fully back it up by be locked front and rear.

[MikeJones16]

I'm more into the snowy stuff too.


If i get chevy dana 60.

will i still be able to use my current rims if i get one of these?
http://nw-offroad.com/shopping/viewi...&productid=252

[MikeJones16]

Is there such thing as a 6lug corp 14 bolt?

Apperently there is.. So i guess if i can find one i'll be good to go!

[1972K20]

It's not going to be the same axle as the eight lug version.

On that note, I would avoid the semi-floater 14 Bolts that are out there. It may have 14 bolts on the inspection cover, but that's where the similarities end.

[MikeJones16]

Then what can i do for a 6 lug rear? Are there any conversion kits?

[1972K20]

I'm sure there are. You may need to search around on google if someone doesn't recommend a place.

Also, don't think that the semi-floater 14 Bolt has a bad reputation. It just doesn't compare to the full-floater.

[MikeJones16]

I see. I'm not pushing a whole lot of power so I don't think i'll have to much worry about busting stuff

[ghettoluxury]

Those hubs will not work they are fore the new dodge axle with the unit bearings. There are hubs avalible for the older king pin 60's.