14b Semi Float 9.5in to 6 lug

[HotRodPC]

I never thought I'd consider such a thing, but now I am and I'll explain why.

Remember I have this 10 bolt front axle with the Air Locker and 4.10 gears? I was going to convert it to an 8 lug front and use my 14b Full Float 4.10 rear axle with it. Turns out, my 4.10 axle is a 3.73 which is great. I'm using in one of the 2wd trucks now.

So to get off cheap as possible. I'm now thinking of install the 10 bolt Air Locker 4.10 front just as is with 6 lug hubs. I have 2 good Semi Float rear axles with 4.10 gears that I can throw a Lock Right into for cheap. So it's still going to be a half ton truck, but how about getting 6 lug axles for this 14b Semi Floater??? I know they exist in GMT 400 trucks, but I hear the length is different and they don't interchange with a Squarebody Semi Float. Would it be possible, or is there enough meat left to have the current axles redrilled for the 6 lug pattern, or is it possible to buy 6 lug axles for the Semi Float?

Basically, I'd rather have an updgraded half ton using the SF rear axle, than a downgraded 3/4 ton. I just think keeping the 6 lug will be much cheaper cuz then I could keep my 6 lug wheels that I like, and tires in a 15in size are always cheaper, abundant and sky is the limit in sizes. Makes sense or is there any other suggestions???

 

[bucket]

It's been done, but it involves mixing and matching various years of axles, drums, and backing plates... and I think the backing plates need spaced away from the flanges some. I'd look into redrilling the drums and shafts if you don't want to start with a GMT rear end.

 

[HotRodPC]

Nope, don't want anything to do with a GMT400 axle. But, come to think about it, it might just be cheaper to use my squarebody rearend, but use a GMT400 backing plate, brakes and drums. If the GMT400 axles are longer, maybe i can have GMT400 axles cut and resplined? I'm unaware of the cost to do all that. But it sure does sound as if it's gonna be much eaiser to convert that 10 bolt front with the ARB locker to 8 lug. Then I lose my wheels and pay more for tires too, so added expenses no matter which way I go.

 

[HotRodPC]

hmmm, or consider looking for a rear disk brake conversion, then all I have to do is figure out axles.

 

[johnmc]

does anyone have a part # for the rear disc rotors i can convert to on a semi floater 14 bolt?

 

[crazy4offroad]

I think they are just standard front calipers, bolt pattern depends on if it is 6 or 8 lug. you may want to call Offroad Design or Blackbirds Custom brakes to verify...

http://www.offroaddesign.com/catalog/14FFdisckit.htm
http://www.blackbirdscustomtrucks.com/index7.html

I know ORD doesnt sell the kit for semifloat but they would probably be able to tell you what will work.