Rear Housing Swaps

torch_monky · May 9, 2009

im having trouble finding a rear housing that is wide enough for the new model trucks. the 10 in my silverado is not strong enough for the power im going to run. but i dont like the price tag that goes with a custom built 12 bolt (and not lookin to get that serious). any body know some shortcuts to get a 12bolt to replace a stock 10bolt. i can move spring perches and shock mounts (perks of being a welder)

I noticed that the new silverados come with a better axle set up. possible to swap one from there? pro's and cons?

any info appreciated thanx kyle...

Zembonez · May 9, 2009

10bolt 33 splines can be made damn near bulletproof. You would have to be doing some serious hooking up to break one with a good locker in it. (something far better than the Grenade 80) Detroit locker comes to mind.

torch_monky · May 9, 2009

lookin at about 500 ft/lbs out of an ls6. with 33x12.5 tires. every drive train shop ive talked to says the 10 wont last long under that kinda stress. i can truss the housing but will the diff/axles/bearings be able to hold up. i can afford the replace with better after market stuff if it will take the heat

Ranger · May 9, 2009

I would find a 14 bolt 9.5" rear end, those were on a lot of 1/2 ton-light 3/4 ton 1500 trucks 88-99...A buddy of mine has a 91 Sierra 2500LD with 6 lug rear 14 bolt, has disc brakes also.

2000DV4.8 · May 9, 2009

You could also look for a 14b semi-floater 6 lug out of one of the new Vortec Max trucks.

Ranger · May 9, 2009

That too, but seeing as he has a GMT-800 I thought something from the 400 series might also fit better.

2000DV4.8 · May 9, 2009

That too, but seeing as he has a GMT-800 I thought something from the 400 series might also fit better.

He said he's a welder, so I was thinking more along the lines of a nice new axle.

torch_monky · May 9, 2009

yeah i can move all the mounts where ever i want, would rather keep it simple if possible. mostly worried about the width and end plate compatibility. shortening tubes is not that expensive but longer ones are. my press at work is not long enough to press in axle tubes. mine is 64-1/2 across plate to plate. like the idea of a newer rear cause they seem to come with factory lockers. a 14 bolt seems a bit heavy but good suggestion for a off raod application.

anyone done a swap from a new silverado yet? or can you give the measurements for your leaf/shock mounts and over all width. would rather find a bolt in if possible. gm likes to say they changed things and didnt lol. example: my truck has a console out of an avalanche in it right now ;)

Ranger · May 10, 2009

The 9.5" 14 bolt isn't that heavy, weight wise...My buddy's running 33s with a V6 and 3.73 gears, open rear end on his GMC 2500LD...It'll still get up and go.

torch_monky · May 10, 2009

where did your friend get the six lug axles? if its a bolt in it is worth ordering the axles. i hear alot about yukon axles but never see any for sale lol. granted the leaf perch and shock mounts are the same, that seems an easy enough answer. ill call afew 14s for sale and ask them for dimensions. thanx.

Ranger · May 11, 2009

It came stock on it far as I know, his fronts are 6 lug also...

They may not fit a newer truck though, I know I was close to biting the bullet on one off a 96 but when I measured my axle and his it was like 6 inches too short (the '96 axle). I was pretty pissed considering it was a steal at 100 bucks, same gears n all.

torch_monky · May 11, 2009

yep the 90 models are all 56" and some change pending model. i am yet to see a 6 lug 14 bolt that is stock. they are all 8 lug. think your friend got lucky and found a modded rear...search continues...

Ranger · May 13, 2009

Next time I see him I will get some pics of his setup and see if I can find the axle code in his glovebox...It is slightly possible that someone swapped out the rear end as he is not the original owner and got the truck with like 50-60k on it...Now it has a little over 260k on a new rebuilt motor...But I know one of the members here also did a 14 bolt swap on a 1500, I think he goes by Chevanator or something like that.

The other odd thing is his rear brakes are disc, and every other one I've been able to find is drum...

torch_monky · May 14, 2009

would be appreciated. measurements are still the key. the 56" rears are way out of wheel spacer territory. cant make up 5" on each side without adverse wear on the bearings.

the disc/drum is not an issue. i can fix that in an hour. changing end plates is no big deal.

my delema has allways been that gm made the 10 bolts so Fin wide. the 12 and 14 are allways shorter. thats y i was hoping the new trucks would provide an improvement, cause ive researched all the earlier models to no avail.

so short of gettin run out of the chevy dealer for pulling a tape measure on the new trucks like some kinda crazy nerd, im tryin to find a 07+ in the junk yard.

ill post if i find a solution. till then hope this helps afew ppl. i cant be the only one not happy with a peg leg gutless truck. i might hit up the track racers and see if they have any clues.

Ranger · May 14, 2009

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/14-Bolt-Rea...sQ5fAccessories Found one on Ebay...States it's "wider"? You might want to hit them up and see if they'll measure for you...