GM Axle Questions

[Burbinator]

Ok so I’ve gone through another forum discussion and I know what it is. But I don’t know what it’s out of. I have a GM 14 bolt, Semi-Float, 10.5 inch gear, 6 lug rear axle.

It’s standard width in my Squarebody burb, no wheel spacers like it’s from a van or dually. So… what vehicle might have it? I’m asking for future when I inevitably need to do brakes. Only one pic for now.

 

[Burbinator]

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[legopnuematic]

9.5”, not 10.5”

Measure the track width of the front and rear, a squarebody axle will be narrower than the front track width, one from a heavy half K1500 GMT400 will be wider than a squarebody rear, enough so that the front and rear track widths will be almost the same.

If it is a squarebody rear, then someone changed the axle shafts to six lug, as was discussed in the other thread, that 9.5s were only used on 20/2500 series squares, and all 8 lug.

GMT400s they were used in 454ss trucks, K1500s and 2500s, in 5, 6, and 8 lug flavors and at least two different widths.

For the brakes I’d guess whatever a say 93 K1500 heavy half truck uses is what you need, measure drum and shoes to compare and verify.

 

[Burbinator]

Here’s this pic it it helps see track width. I’m on vacation so it’ll be a bit before I can measure for certain. I do know the front and back wheels match offset/width.

 

[Burbinator]

It won’t upload I’ll try in a bit. But on the 9.5 vs 10.5 debate we figured out that the 9.5 diff cover shape doesn’t match like at all. But the 10.5 does

 

[nvrenuf]

It won’t upload I’ll try in a bit. But on the 9.5 vs 10.5 debate we figured out that the 9.5 diff cover shape doesn’t match like at all. But the 10.5 does

That is, without a doubt, NOT a 10.5 14 bolt.

 

[nvrenuf]

Note the squared off sides and hard triangular shape to the top and bottom, the axle in your pic has a very round cover.

As stated here, you have a 9.5” semi floater 14 bolt not a 10.5” 14 bolt (full floater).

 

[Burbinator]

So if it’s a 91 suburban is this axle out of a GMT400 or something else? It looks like equal width front and back

 

[Rustisbest]

Most likely an OBS axle. Brakes would be for a 97 K1500 with 11" drums. If you'll measure between the backing plates I'll measure the one I swapped into my 96 Tahoe and compare the two

 

[Burbinator]

Sounds good. I should be back around Tuesday then I can measure

 

[Burbinator]

Could it be a 3/4 ton semi float 8 lug converted to 6 lug?

 

[bucket]

Could it be a 3/4 ton semi float 8 lug converted to 6 lug?

Most likely not. Getting the right combination of parts to make that all work is a PIA, and involves backing plate spacers, iirc. Moving the perches and shock brackets on a GMT 400 housing is far easier and simpler.