Axle - 96 4x4

[MellyAnne]

I've got a 96 Extended cab 4x4 that's got about 6" of lift (suspension) and a straight axle swap on 35s and i've got a axle issue i wanted to pick the collaborative brain about...

The kid who built the truck did some hack jobs to make life easier for himself, the worst of which involved creating a matching lug pattern on the front and rear. Instead of swaping out rear axles, he simply geared the stock 8.8, cut off the stock studs flush, and drilled holes with the larger "full size" wheel pattern an inserted bolts - didnt' tack them, didn't use studs - just shoved grade 8 bolts through...

so now i'm left with a problem - the rear axle shafts HAVE to go - i know that. typically, i'd just do a complete axle swap, but then I would have to regear that axle to match, and in the end, it seems to me like custom axles would be a better choice - While we're at it, we can upgrade to full size brakes (somethign that's needed)

i've called around and talked to several companies about axles - since they are a "one off" applciation, they don't have a listed item that would work - it seems i'm gonna be ordering true custom axles - so here's what i'm looking for

• advice on the best people to talk to?
• I've gotten conflicting data on whether or not which brake setup i use will change my measurements
• other solutions?

 

[cappin90]

.... do you know what "one off" axles will cost? why spend 2k on a rear axle when you can regear and convert a jy one to disks for 500-600 bucks?

 

[brinker88]

Your front axle is full width and your rear is still a standard width 28 spline 8.8?

If your front axle's full width, grab a ford 9" out of an F150 (5x5.5)

If narrow width, grab a 9" out of an EB or 8.8 explorer and some F150 8.8 axle shafts and cut them down to length.

 

[MellyAnne]

Whoops - axle shafts... sorry - its been one of those days...

Yeah - its an 8.8 with 28 splines -
front axle is full witdth - its out of a 69ish bronco -

 

[brinker88]

Well, if you want to keep your rear axle, you can just give this guy a call

(508) 755-3790

Mitchell Differential

He can make you custom 28 spline axle shafts with 5x5.5 bolt pattern.

You would be better off grabbing a whole new axle out of a Full Width vehicle though.

 

[MellyAnne]

Trying not to have to regear another rear...

 

[brinker88]

Like I said, call that number I gave you in the post above yours

 

[MellyAnne]

Thanks -
hubby has told me its my truck, i need to find a solution... he's a chevy guy anyway (don't ask, i married him despite that)