Replacing rear axle on 83 k5

[BryanS]

My k5 has a 10 bolt rear

The truck has a 454 6” lift and rides on 35s

I’ll looking for stiffer gears …Probally 4:10s

One seal is leaking and can’t get the axel out because there is a broken screw the lag guy left me with.

SO I’m thinking about finding an upgrade. 14 bolt already with the gears I want. What year donors can I drop in? Are there any 14 bolts that have 6 lug hubs?

Appreciate any advice

 

[Ricko1966]

What broken bolt are you taking about?

 

[BryanS]

I don’t know going by what mechanic told me. I trust the shop for both honesty and knowledge. He told me they went to remove a bolt so they could remove the axle but it was already broken off.

Said it could be drilled out but if I was looking for gears anyway it might be better to get a new axle

 

[Ricko1966]

I don’t know going by what mechanic told me. I trust the shop for both honesty and knowledge. He told me they went to remove a bolt so they could remove the axle but it was already broken off.

Said it could be drilled out but if I was looking for gears anyway it might be better to get a new axle

Okay it's the bolt in the diff that holds the cross pin,they always break if you don't heat them with propane before trying to remove them. They are an easy cheap fix,so common some one makes a kit with the proper drill bit,drill guide new bolt etc. I'll see if I can find it for you. You do know with a K series if you change rear gear ratio,you have to change front gear ratio? You will not be able to drive 1 inch in 4 wheel drive until you do so. Fixing your diff is the most affordable plan. I'll see if I can find the kit. I'm assuming 8.5 inch 10 bolt. Read this link.

Deluxe Differential Pinion Shaft Lock Bolt Extractor Kit

Deluxe differential lock nut bolt extractor extraction set will remove broken locknut bolt from your pinion shaft quickly and easily for a low price.

www.skywaytools.com

Not what I'd use but that's because I have what I need and am confident on my abilities,but for someone who lacks the confidence,here you go.
Also,why they break,they use loctite new,you need to heat them.

 

[BryanS]

Thank you

Guy mentioned that there might be a kit to get the old bolt out.

I understand needing same ratio front and back…was kind of thinking if I got an Axle in rear with stiffer gears I would then get the same gears for front axle

So do I get the bolt out, buy (2) gear set or do I buy used axle for rear and buy one gear set for the front

 

[Ricko1966]

I'd fix what I had and buy 2 gear sets,but I do my own work. Talk to your shop about both options and price out a used rearend vs. a gear set.

 

[BryanS]

I'd fix what I had and buy 2 gear sets,but I do my own work. Talk to your shop about both options and price out a used rearend vs. a gear set.

What do you think about the 10 bolt behind the 454 and 35s? rather not put money into it if I will end up blowing it up in a few months anyway?

I’m really not interested in getting 8 lug wheels so staying with the 10 ( or 12?) would help me there?

 

[legopnuematic]

A 14 bolt semi floater (9.5") from a K1500 "heavy half" gmt400 pickup is a 6 lug axle. A little wider than a square body axle (it makes the front and rear track widths the same), but will require new spring perches and shock mounts.


This one I built is now under my friends 75 K5.

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[Zelph]

^ same axle that I got to go under my truck.

 

[BryanS]

Are all gmt half ton “heavy”

What about the gmt 400 suburbans are they donors too!

 

[BryanS]

Are all gmt half ton “heavy”

What about the gmt 400 suburbans are they donors too!

I found on another forum the f44 package had semi float 14B with 6 lug. If this is the one I want how do I find which donor truck has that option?

 

[SquareRoot]

One seal is leaking and can’t get the axel out

Well the good news is, you qualified for the Axle Hall of Shame Award.