I don't recall if the axle tube lengths are the same 6 lug vs 8? If so, you'd still need backing plates, shoes, hardware, drums, axle shafts, and maybe wheel cylinders to get it all back to 6 lug status.
Yup, that's a 9.5" semi-float with 8-lug axle shafts.
6-lug axle shafts would be my preference.
Yes it would work if you dint mind using 8 lug rear
So this axle, which comes from a C2500HD,
Is the “14 bolt semi float 9.5” axle” that everyone is recommending upgrading to from my current 10 bolt 8.5”.
Any axle bigger than the 14 bolt 9.5 inch
Such as the 14b FULL FLOAT 10” and up would be considered OVerkill for a c1500 , correct?
In other words Where is the point of diminishing return with these axle upgrades?
From information i’ve read on here, It seems to me that the 14 bolt 9.5” semi float with the 6 lug wheels would be the ideal new axle for my application.
I’m not trying to race anyone(and win) my goal is simply longevity of the truck and minimizing maintenance work.
When I changed my gear oil I opened a can of worms starting with leaking pinion seal, then a leaking plug weld,
Now to change the pinion crush sleeve properly id have to dig into my 10bolt 8.5” axle and get it all set right.
After getting 1200$ quotes from every mechanic I decided to do a deep dive in setting up gears.
I now feel (pretty) confident i could tear down and rebuild my 10 bolt axle and at least get myself back on the road, having the benefit of some fresh pinion bearings, a new seal and new gear oil.
I thought i hit the jackpot when i found this 14 bolt semi float 8 lug axle near me in rhode island.
Killing two birds with one stone would make this whole ordeal worth while,
Then I could rationalize the whole screw up by saying “well it was a good opportunity to upgrade the axle”
But after realizing how complex the axles and brakes really are to PROPERLY change, I think i’m better off fixing my current axle.
Again my goal here is just to get back on the road this is my work truck.
I got myself into this mess by trying to do preventative maintenance that was beyond my scope (it was all for the sake of prolonging truckys life)
So as much as i love the idea of a more robust and reliable and powerful axle/ rear brakes.
Now that i have an idea of what i would take to do that properly, I think i need to double down on fixing what ain’t broke (yet)