14 bolt

[Trevor]

How hard would it be to fit a 14 bolt rear into my '63 pickup? I know I'd have to put new spring perches on it, but what about the width? Would I need to get it narrowed?

[JeepFreak]

Most likely not. If you find one from a Suburban I know that they are alot narrower than the front axle. This should put it pretty close to the same width as your front. If you want I can measure the rear on my Suburban to give you an idea.

[ March 15, 2002: Message edited by: JeepFreak ]</p>

[jslamerman]

Ive got a 14 bolt for mine, heres the deal. A stock widetrack front end comes in at 64 1/2 to 65" WMS to WMS. If you add the chevy 3/4 ton rotor and hub(specifically this is what adds the width), it adds almost 1" to each side, mine came out to 66 7/8. You can reuse your original spindles/knuckles/lockouts and outer axles. The width of all 14 bolts, with the exception of cab and chassis model 14 bolts is 67". It turns out PERFECT!!! You need this stuff to match bolt patterns anyway, as it is very difficult to machine the rear full-float hubs down to fit through a 1/2 ton rim. Oh, and you need new caliper brackets (also stock chevy stuff), as your rotor will sit further out than original. Even though the new rotors are 13" as opposed to the original 11", the same calipers are used. This is an easy swap, just move the perches!!!

[RustyJeep]

You'd have to do something about the front axle also....unless you plan to run one 8-lug and one 5 on 5.5 lug. Also...it owuld be good to get rid of that axle anyways, if it is the original D27

[sandmanb]

as far as the front try to find a pre 80 j-20 front axle.

[Trevor]

Some of the 14bolts I looked at were 4:10, and some of the D44 fronts are 4:09, does a :01 difference matter at all?

[derf]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Trevor:
Some of the 14bolts I looked at were 4:10, and some of the D44 fronts are 4:09, does a :01 difference matter at all?<hr></blockquote>

In the real world, a difference of a few points doesn't matter. Now, if you were using 4.10's in the front and 4.56's in the rear with the same size tire, that would be a problem.

[Trevor]

One more question, my rear axle is offset a little to the right, are the 14bolts offset at all? Or doesn't it matter if it's centered?

[RustyJeep]

It won't matter in your case...it may even help a little.

[scotty]

only thing to worry about is gas tank clearance. not sure bout that year,but later j10/j20s were all offset about 8 inches for gas tank clearance.

you may want to disconnect your rear shaft form the rear end and place it in the approximate centered position and see if it looks like its gonna hit anything.