97 K1500 Sierra RPO f44 Question

GMAustin · July 4, 2016

First post here. Just bought a 97 half ton that has the F44 rpo code on it. I have been reading around and have run into some confusion about what it should have with it. Most places say it is a heavier duty chasis and an extra leaf in the rear end. What I am confused on is the rear axle. Some have said it should have a 14 bolt SF axle but mine is only a 10 bolt. Anyone have experience/knowledge to share here?

Chris · July 4, 2016

First post here. Just bought a 97 half ton that has the F44 rpo code on it. I have been reading around and have run into some confusion about what it should have with it. Most places say it is a heavier duty chasis and an extra leaf in the rear end. What I am confused on is the rear axle. Some have said it should have a 14 bolt SF axle but mine is only a 10 bolt. Anyone have experience/knowledge to share here?

Thicker rotors and the springs. Rear end for the light 25 was a 14 bolt SF, halfs just got a 10 bolt. The 14 bolt in a half came with the 2005 with a 6.0. Prior to, halfs with a 454 got a 12 bolt i believe.

GMAustin · July 5, 2016

Thanks for your help!

farmboyont · August 7, 2016

Hate my first reply to be correcting a long established member, but that's not correct. F44 was the 14 bolt semi floater. It was exactly the same axle as the 7200lb GVWR 3/4 tons had. They also had larger brakes. 2.75 x 11-5/32 instead of 2.25 x 10. They also had the extra leaf, heavier u-joints, and had a 6600lb GVWR instead of 6200lb GVWR.

The 454SS got a 5 lug 14 bolt SF rear end. Very few exist, and it's really the only way to get a 14 bolt in a 2wd, and retain the 5 lug pattern all around.

Chris · August 7, 2016

Hate my first reply to be correcting a long established member, but that's not correct. F44 was the 14 bolt semi floater. It was exactly the same axle as the 7200lb GVWR 3/4 tons had. They also had larger brakes. 2.75 x 11-5/32 instead of 2.25 x 10. They also had the extra leaf, heavier u-joints, and had a 6600lb GVWR instead of 6200lb GVWR.

The 454SS got a 5 lug 14 bolt SF rear end. Very few exist, and it's really the only way to get a 14 bolt in a 2wd, and retain the 5 lug pattern all around.

The case was a 14 bolt cover, but the ring gear had 12 bolts

Badass69 · August 9, 2016

Which is no different than any 9.5" 14 bolt up until 2013 lol...... they always have had only 12 ring gear bolts. F44 is an odd debate builder...... I had a regular cab long box 4x4 growing up that was an F44 code truck..... factory 10 bolt rear..... we bought the truck new. At least 90% of the trucks I see with the F44 code have the 9.5" rear but not all. F44 is a code for the chassis only..... does not dictate the rear axle used. Just type F44 10 bolt into a search engine..... I am not alone with having one with a 10 bolt rear.

Chris · August 9, 2016

Which is no different than any 9.5" 14 bolt up until 2013 lol...... they always have had only 12 ring gear bolts. F44 is an odd debate builder...... I had a regular cab long box 4x4 growing up that was an F44 code truck..... factory 10 bolt rear..... we bought the truck new. At least 90% of the trucks I see with the F44 code have the 9.5" rear but not all. F44 is a code for the chassis only..... does not dictate the rear axle used. Just type F44 10 bolt into a search engine..... I am not alone with having one with a 10 bolt rear.

The 9.5 true, but not all 14 bolt rears do.