Posted by Ben on March 30, 04 at 10:35:25:
In Reply to: 14 bolt rear conversion posted by Maz on March 30, 04 at 09:19:52:
Not much help with the 14 bolt. Buddy did the work (found them, cleaned and rebuilt and installed). He also changed the MC. Do know to check that the spring and lift block *ALL* has the centering bolt/stud into the axle spring perch. Also, on some, the axle spring perch needs to be ground off and new welded on (distance between them is different from 1/2 ton).
14 bolt rear is only half and should consider the front too if you are going to off road seriously. Otherwise fine for pavement.
Brakes was never a problem on my K5. Even OEM, as could skid the fronts and occasionally the rears when they were tight. The 1 ton stuff was even better.
Never touched the rears after the 14 bolt. Inspection hole for friction material (two holes) always showed lots of material left. Buddy had put in HD, but don't know what brand nor model. Just say they were going to out last the rest of the truck.
Fronts were ditto and lasted long time. Did replace them a few times with Raybestos HD and Bendix HD.
Is that 14 bolt rear a 6 lug? or 8 lug?
DANGEROUS having a Posi/LS on the front axle. My 1970 FJ40 pushed right off the road and into a ditch burying the winch in mud. It see's differential, adjusts and the wheels loose traction and slide straight. Best to have ARB or some such that can be turned on/off.
Full time?