14 bolt posi swap

[Cooterbfd]

Got a simple question. I have a 10.5" 14 bolt open axle in my '79 C-20. Would I be able to put the pinion and carrier from a newer ('01-06 ish) unit, or are they totally different beasts.

Thanks, John

 

[TubeTruck]

I believe they are the same. I know the pinion bearings are bigger on the newer ones but not sure if that includes the I.D. if the bearing or just the O.D.

 

[Cooterbfd]

Thanks.....but if I can buy a 3.73 ring and pinion for my rear and bolt it to the newer carrier, that wouldn't be an issue, right?

 

[Curt]

I had trouble with this same situation.I could never get the external pinion shims right.

The pinion depth was way off,pattern to.I had gotten a used ring and pinion from a newer 14 bolt (big bearing) along with the pinion bearing housing.Trying to save some coin.Ended up doing a full rebuild,older bearing housing and a new ring and pinion...Went together like magic,perfect.

Maybe you’ll have better luck

 

[Cooterbfd]

Do you think a new ring and pinion for an old 14 bolt would bolt up to the newer version carrier???

 

[Curt]

Try it,if it doesn’t work,see if you can find a pinion bearing housing from an older model 14 bolt.I honestly think it’ll save you some grief.You’ll only be out the big bearing.The other pinion bearing is the same.I believe the pinion seal was different as well.However,I was able to use the newer yoke.They put a removable sleeve on it to account for the big bearing.I saw some older model bearing housings on eBay not that long ago

 

[Curt]

And yes the ring gear will bolt up to a newer carrier

 

[Cooterbfd]

Thanks. For a $100 I'm going to take a kick at the cat.

 

[SquareRoot]

Thanks. For a $100 I'm going to take a kick at the cat.

Curious. How did the cat turn out?