Axle swap 96 Tahoe - 10 bolt to 14 bolt SF

[ChevyHoe]

Just trashed the 10-bolt on my 96 Tahoe, and was thinking of putting on a 14-bolt SF.

The guide at 4wheeloffroad.com is nice enough, but here comes my question:

It tells me to use a 14-bolt 6-lug SF from a 88-92 truck.

Will I need a 14-bolt from a 4x4 or 4x2 truck?
I've heard that the 4x2 axle is shorter than the 4x4 axle.
How long (wide) are these axles, compared to my original 10-bolt?

These axles are kinda hard to find here in Norway, but I've managed to find one from a 4x2 in Sweden..

Hope you can help me out here.


Thanks

[Robyn]

Hi there

You will need to measure the distance between the wheel flanges and be sure that the axle your looking at is the same width.

The placement of the spring pads is important too but you can remove them if needed and relocate.

Be sure that the drive line angle remains the same as it was originally
The front joint angle has to match the rear or you will have vibration issues and much shortened U joint life.

Gear ratio is an issue so be sure your chosen replacement has the same gear ratio.

Best

Robyn

[More Power]

I replaced the 10-bolt 6-lug rear axle in my 1989 K1500 pickup with a 1997 model year 14-bolt SF 6-lug. Bolted right on.... Just needed to shorted the rear driveshaft a smidge and upgrade the driveshaft's rear u-joint from a 1330 to a 1350. :)

Jim

[ChevyHoe]

Thanks for all your help!

Think I'll get me an axle from the USA, as they are hard to find here in Norway.
In the meantime I'll have to find me another 10-bolt..

[ChevyHoe]

Got the axle, but the u-joint I've used before has the part # Precision 534G, and that's a 1 1/8" cap diameter, and 3 5/8" wide. (1344??)
Neither the 1310 nor the 1330 will fit the driveshaft, because they are only 1 1/16".

As for the 14-bolt, the 534G diameter is a little small, so the 1350 with 1 3/16" should do just fine..

But can anyone tell me what kind of u-joint I need?