Looking for new axles

[MarineOne]

Hi I'm new here and new to square body trucks. I am looking for some input on axles
I currently have gm10 bolt 8 lug front and a 14 bolt semi floater rear. Both are open diffs and rear has drum brakes. 4:10 ratio
Truck has 454 with 700r4 and an np208 (going to install my np205 if a new driveshaft is needed)

It's lifted on 38's I'm not planning to do any crazy off roading but I don't want to break everytime I decide to wheel it either.

I have an early 2000's 14 bolt ff from 2500hd in 4:10 ratio with disc brakes factory.

What should I do about the front?

What vehicle can I find a front axle from that has manual hubs?

 

[ali_c20]

Welcome from Austria. I would try junkyards and get K30 front axle or CUCV M1008 front axle. Manual hubs are cheap and easy to install. It could be cheaper to buy a whole truck and swap the axles than finding a front axle with the right ratio.

 

[bucket]

Howdy from Ohio!

Honestly, with no "crazy offroading" and those mild tires, you are probably ok with the current 10bolt and 14sf. Unless those STS's are an indicator that you like to enter in truck pulls, lol.

Your later 14ff axle is a good one to swap in though. More beef and good brakes.

The front axle you can beef up a bit and help it live more comfortably. If you want a stronger axle that bolts in with basically no fabrication needed, a Chevy or "1st gen" Dodge Dana 60 is about the only option.

 

[MarineOne]

Thankyou from newyork. I'll switch to looking for a dodge axle up front . I just bought it on Dec 31, im not the biggest fan of the sts. I'll probably switch to a trxus mt or irok when these wear don

 

[bucket]

As far as mounting is concerned, the biggest difference in the Dodge version is a .5" narrower perch spacing. With aftermarket lift springs, that is easily overcome by shaving 1/4" from the spring bushings and adding washers to the opposite side. Also watch out for the "Dana 61" used in early diesel trucks with 3.08 gears. Iirc, there is a ring gear spacer than can be used to run other ratios, but it's an added expense.

 

[MarineOne]

What years should I shoot for? I've restored multiple muscle cars this is my first classic truck build.

 

[bucket]

'77-'91 Chevy. I'm not sure on the Dodge, but I'd guess '77-'93.

 

[Craig 85]

Off Road Design carries the front bushings if you go with a Dodge D60.

https://www.offroaddesign.com/suspe...gers-bushings-etc/dodge-dana-60-swap-kit.html

 

[RanchWelder]

Subbed' and following..., there's a Dodge front end sitting in my local scrap yard and now i'm very interested...
I was wondering if the Dodge D60 could be swapped into the K5 with the passenger side drop.

 

[Strick]

Make certain to get the u-bolt pads from your Dana 60 swap. The passenger side is certainly different as it bolts to the hog head to the inside. I used a 14FF from an '04 under my '55 truck. Moved the spring & shock perches & worked like It was meant to be there. I like your other rides too. Squares & F Bodies are filling my yard...& driveway...& carport...& workshop...