2003 2500hd rear axle swap on an 84 k10

[Ewhitaker0020]

I found a free rear end that's supposed to be good. And says it's off of a 2003 Chevy hd. It has 4.10 gears and is posi traction and floating axles. I don't know what the floating axles part means, but I love the 8 lug and that it has calipers.

Is there any way I can swap this over to my 84 k10? If it's not a direct swap what if anything can I do to make it work?

If I can't do the swap that's fine, but I'd love to do this. The axle is free, in really great shape, just down the road from my house, and has new bearings.

 

[yevgenievich]

Have to weld new spring perches on and possibly shock mounts. Did a swap on 85, and actually managed to reuse the shock mounts that were on the axle

 

[Rickf]

Might also need to change the brake proportion valve to accommodate rear discs.

Free isn't always free.

 

[bucket]

Free isn't always free.

While that is true, in this case, it is well worth the time and energy to perform the swap. It's a good axle.

If I had the choice of a newer 14bolt full float axle with disc brakes that was free, or a stock direct fit 14ff with drums that cost $150-200... I'd go with the free one.

 

[SquareRoot]

While that is true, in this case, it is well worth the time and energy to perform the swap. It's a good axle.

If I had the choice of a newer 14bolt full float axle with disc brakes that was free, or a stock direct fit 14ff with drums that cost $150-200... I'd go with the free one.

Amen brother! I'm looking for a newer 14 FF myself. I no likey the 85 14 FF with Detroit bang bang and #400 drums.

 

[Doppleganger]

Does that include a normal parking brake?

 

[Rickf]

Eric, will you be swapping the front axle also to have 8 lug rims all around? Does the front axle already have 4.10's? If necessary can you do the cutting & welding yourself?
Just more things to consider for the "free" axle.

Brandon 2024!

 

[Ewhitaker0020]

I would be swapping both axles. Unfortunately the axle was given away before I get ahold of it. I would've shelved it for now until I got the money together to swap both at the same time.

Gotta get rid of this 3.08 gearing. The high gearing mixed with a stock 305 engine and 700r4 transmission make it feel like I've got about 50 horsepower total in this thing. The slightly larger than factory 31" tires aren't helping any either.