I got an '87 F350 with the D60 front axle. And in looking at my truck (haven't measured yet) it seems my front axle is 2-3 inches wider then the back. My tires are pretty close to my fender lips and it's plain to see.

Does anyone else have this on there truck, or is mine just weird?

Also I'm thinking about putting a 14 Bolt in place of my 10.25. I just think it's a better axle and would like to before I sink any money into my 10.25. Has anyone out there done this? Any thoughts (besides why, and keep it ford)?

For those curious on the subject I also posted this question in the 80-86 forum here; https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7370590

 

I really don't think it would be worth the effort to put a 14 bolt in place of the 10.25. It may be a slightly better axle but the hassles of installation for what you would gain don't seem worth it to me.

 

I think for me it would be. The minor strength increase could really be worth it one day, when I need all my truck can offer. Add to that if I'm going to add a locker and other impovements I might as well do it on a better axle. And the 14B is so much easier to work on. It's rather easy to rebuild the diff, even trailside. It goes together much like a 9 inch. If you have some parts pepared it can be done in less then an hour without a press and just hand tools.

Also I think at the same time I can get a better/wider axle width. I would like a wider rear axle and think if I can I will use a van version of the 14B it's 3 inches wider. What I don't know yet is what those total widths are compared to my 10.25

 

Thats pretty much the norm for 4wd vehicles. The front is wider to help improve stability. My truck is the same way with the ttb front axle.

 

It may be true but it doesn't make much sence, you'd think the rear as the part that carries the load should if anything be wider.

 

How's that? Wider = easier to bend.

 

But it also means more stable.

I really kind wish my rear axle would bend, for some reason it's camberd out \--/ just a bit but it is there.

Anyway an axle bending is more about how close the springs are to the wheel. The further away, the more leverage the weight on the wheel has on the axle. Sure a wider axle with the same spring placement would be more likely to bend but it is minor and easily fixed by widening the springs.

 

It's supposed to improve stability during a turn. Sort of the reason they dont make 3 wheelers anymore, not very stable under hard cornering.

 

If you want a stronger axle, skip the 14B, and go to the Dana 80. It is the rearend that came in the F450s of this age. I have seen a few at my local junkyards. The upgrade in strength would be much more substantial.

 

Sorry but no, that's doesn't sound like a good idea. Anyway I'm SRW and want to stay that way.

 

I wouldn't bother with swapping a 10.25 for a 14 bolt. The only advantage the 14B has is the extra pinion bearing support. The ring gear size is neglible, and the 10.25 has stronger axles compared to a 14B.

The track width difference is for stability and to give a better turning radius.

Jason

 

You convert a Dana 80 over to SRW, I have seen it done. It would be a lot better than a 14B, that swap just would not be worth the time.

 

For you D80 pushers, WHY is it better, what's the difference between it and a 70?

 

The Dana 80 has an 11" ring gear versus the 10.5" ring gear in the Dana 70. You can also find the Dana 80 under the rear of '94 and later Dodge 3/4 and 1 ton pickups.

 

More ring gear = less ground clearence
You just don't see ring/pinion failures much in a 14B why would going just 1/2" bigger but getting rid of the third pinion bearing be better.

I just like all the good stuff the 14B has to offer and don't see the 80 as an improvement.