14ff/8 lug setup vs. 12 bolt 6 lug setup

[Edhard_Stark]

Hey guys,

So I'm at a crossroads in my build. I have a 79k10 with a th350/203, 12bolt rear and corporate 10 bolt up front. I've been thinking about doing lockers front and rear, doing a manual locking hub conversion up front, and doing a c clip eliminator kit and disc brake conversion with a locker in the back. However I see 14bolt FF for sale cheap near me. I'm sure I could track down an 8 lug axle for the front too.

My build is around simplicity and efficency. I want to maximize fuel economy, ground clearance and reduce weight whenever possible. The truck will see dirt and rock trails a lot, but 70% of the time it'll be on the road. If I go to an 8 lug setup, how bad will I get hit with fuel economy, weight and ground clearance penalties? Will my stock driveshafts bolt to these diffs? Can/should I use my stock K10 springs? I'd rather keep them because I like the stance it has, and it rides harsh enough as it is. I won't be towing anything with it either. I'm all for the swap, but reducing weight, and improving fuel economy are high priorities. Does anyone know what the weight and dimension differences are between the 14bff and 12bolt? I'd do a disc brake conversion on either one, so I'm sure that'd help.

 

[bucket]

What tire size are you going to run? Sounds like the 1/2 ton axles will suit you just fine.

But why bother with a c-clip eliminator if you are going to run disc brakes?

 

[Edhard_Stark]

I'm running 33's for now, and I'll most likely be running 35's maybe next year when I lift the truck. However I'm not looking into that anytime soon. Don't I need the c clip eliminator as well to strengthen the 12bolt? I don't want to do all that work just to leave a common weak point. Or am I missing something?

 

[bucket]

When a c-clip style axle breaks, the wheel and axle are able to remove themselves from the housing because nothing is holding them in anymore. But when you have rear discs installed, the caliper and bracket will keep the rotor/axle/wheel from coming out of the housing. Eliminating the c-clip won't actually make anything stronger, just safer if drum brakes are being used.

 

[Edhard_Stark]

Ahh ok, that makes sense now. Silly question, but if I had disc brakes and I broke a c clip, would I know it right away?

 

[bucket]

I doubt you would break a c-clip, more likely an axle. And even that shouldn't be very likely with 35's and mild use.

 

[PrairieDrifter]

You probably wouldn't be able to tell other than the clip bouncing around in the diff when it first breaks, maybe the the rotor will start rubbing on one of the brake pads excessively, which could make noise or maybe create some slight drag

 

[Edhard_Stark]

Oh ok, I thought the c-clip was the weak point of 12 bolts. Thanks guys.

 

[highdesertrange]

everything is a weak point in a 12 bolt. axles, axle bearings, ring and pinion, carrier, carrier bearings, spiders, yoke, u joint. you name it I have seen it broke. however a 14 bolt weighs more than 600 lbs. a 14 bolt is almost indestructible, key word almost. I have snapped a 14 bolt pinion. you will not save weight or get better mpg with a 14 bolt, but there is no comparison a 14 bolt is much stronger then a 12 bolt. highdesertranger