revamping stock axles

[toby36]

has anybody ever built the stock axles with custom shafts that have more splines put in a new carrier out of a newer dana 70 and changed the lug pattern just wondering if it could be done or if the newer 70 are too different to swap carriers

[md1970]

Cant be done on all regards.

[Mikel]

If you want to change the lug pattern and carriers, you are far better off just swapping axles.

[Blitz]

Yep...

having JUST rebuilt both the front and rear stock axles,
I can assure you...

Its easier to get a 14 bolt GM, move the perches and the shock mounts in about a day, and mount that puppy.

I have one sitting here, and a newer DANA 7o with the 32 splines, and both are 8 lug.

I wanted to rebuild the stock axles to have "spares" and experience, as i have 2 trucks now.. and I like the idea of parts interchangeability, especially already rebuilt parts interchangeability.

now that that is all done....

NEXT TIME....
on my "parts truck" which is NOT Mil spec ( My 1st truck is , except for the engine and tranny)
I will take that 14 bolt, 8 lug with disk brakes and put that puppy in there, at least for the rear... and go 8 lug.

now then, i would have to do something for the front... to match the 8 lug ...

now I would have to buy all new wheels and tires...

and now it just got more expensive than rebuilding the stock axles.

Funny how circles work...Guess I did the right thing after all

And I have a 14 bolt sitting here... with disk.

If I had a "real" shop, some MORE mechanic friends, at least ONE welder friend...more time and more money and more beer...

The 14 bolt rear and "something in the front" 8 lug... would be very very interesting.

Imagine the tire choices that would give....

( insert drool here )

[Blitz]

how could i forget?


GEARING CHANGES TOO....


now..... that is worth a few hundred extra bucks in beer and welding costs.
and maybe even that grand in wheels and tires.


I got my parts truck up to 80, with the 5.87 gears, and stock NDT's.

going taller tries and higher gears....

I can see another 40 mph, easy.

I drive that fast to the 7-11, so watch out

[Blitz]

lastly, to really answer the orig question....

I have a newer dana 70 sitting here.

I thought the same thing "switch the carrier and axles"

I opened up the newer 70, and pulled the axles... counted the splines... and then figured out... the axles themselves are NOT the same length as the stock axles.

The Pumpkin must be in a more offset location on the newer dana 70's.

the parts simply wont fit, if you want axles bolted IN.

If you dont mind them hanging out in space outside the tubes...
it will work. for a second