14bolt 9.5 HD

Hey guys, I'm trying to find out if i can put one of those big ass heavy 14bolt HD 3/4 rearends in my avalanche with minimum issues.
I called around and found some axles that were 6-lug and have the same diameter and specs as the 8-lug axles I'll be pulling out.
The only issue is these axles are 1/16 " shorter than stock.
This means I'd have to really push in the axle to get the c-clip on.

Any comments?

The reason I want the big ass 14bolt (instead of the heavy half ton 14bolt ie TBSS, VHO, etc) is because it will probably never break and the avalanche is very heavy, that's a lot of abuse off the line with a 8psi launch.

thanks,
allen

Leaf spring vs. coil spring, no?

As far as the axle shafts themselves, maybe you could get the return register behind the hub portion machined down to allow more room inboard towards the seal but losing the radius will make the shafts weaker.

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Originally Posted by GasGuzzler

Leaf spring vs. coil spring, no?

As far as the axle shafts themselves, maybe you could get the return register behind the hub portion machined down to allow more room inboard towards the seal but losing the radius will make the shafts weaker.

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Regardless of what rearend I go with, I'm gonna have to grind the brackets off and make a custom 4 link (stock is 4link). The 1/2 ton avalanche never came with a 14bolt, and the 3/4 8.1L av is leaf, but has a 14bolt.

that's a good idea. I think I'll get a rearend down here from snyders and see if i can get something machined, maybe 1/32 here and 1/32 there, it just might add up to the 1/16" i need.
Would it be possible to take a hair off the thickness of the c-clip? I know it's critical, but just a bit, along with the hub area?

thanks,
allen

btw, the stock 8-lug axle length is 33 5/16" , the 6-lug aftermarket replacements are 33 1/4".

just an fyi.

What rear is in a 3/4 ton Avalanche? They're not common but they exist.

Machining 1/32" off the c-clip won't kill it and another 1/32"-1/16" off the back of the axle shaft won't either...I don't think...

Are you talking a full floating 1 ton 14bolt with 10.5" ring gear?

Good question 'cause the floater will be 8 lugs and won't come close to axle shaft interchange.

+1...The 10.5 has to be the one Allen's talking about getting.

After some research I think the 2500 Avalanche had the 9.5.

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Originally Posted by RedHeartbeat

Are you talking a full floating 1 ton 14bolt with 10.5" ring gear?

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9.5 for the new setup.

Find one from an Avalanche it would not have to be modified except maybe the ratio...

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Originally Posted by GasGuzzler

Find one from an Avalanche it would not have to be modified except maybe the ratio...

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I believe they are leaf spring, mine (1/2 ton) is 4 link, I'm double checking on that right now. That would be very easy to do and I thought about it, but someone told me otherwise, I should have checked.

oh well, found this from automotive.com

"The 2500 rides harsher than the 1500 because its rear suspension uses leaf springs instead of the 1500's coil springs. "

I can attest to the strength, mine has not broke yet and is fully stock, knock on wood. Just order some new axles to length? I think you can get them to fit though. 1/16th is not much.

i have a tbss 14bolt sitting in garage its a little narrower that just means wider tires

OK, A...

Missed that. I hit myself in the forehead on the way home 'cause there were obviously 2500 Suburbans too.....

I'm not really feeling the leaf springs from the factory on the Av or the Sub in 2500 version.

I googled some of it too and found many 2500 Avs with leafs but I feel they're all converted.

I'll do some more checking.

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Originally Posted by 06-crewhauler

i have a tbss 14bolt sitting in garage its a little narrower that just means wider tires

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You have a PM.

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Originally Posted by GasGuzzler

OK, A...

I'll do some more checking.

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Ok, sure, any input is appreciated.
I'll probably end up going with a 14bolt, not sure which one, and doing a triangulated 4 link with coil overs, similar to TBSS's.
I have some air bags for heavy loads I'll finally install as well.

thanks,
allen

With a custom 4-link set up I guess it doesn't matter what it comes out of.