['89_Overlander]

I am looking for a rear axle for my 1989 Suburban. A 10 Bolt -w- 3.73 open diff is/was what's under it now.

During Alignment at the shop, the service tech showed me that the rear drive-line rotates well past 90 degrees before any motion is seen at the wheels... I'd like to take out the axle under the truck, swap in another one and rebuild the current axle as a spare.

Another 10 bolt with the same gearing would be awesome if it's serviceable!

Alternatively if you have a FF 14 bolt, D60, etc... I don't mind if it's a rebuild-able core so long as the tubes and center housing are solid. I know that those axles are probably worth more than I'm offering, but if you have one just collecting rust in the yard, I could come clean up that eye sore!

I have about $150.00 to spend on the axle, and could drive ~300 miles from the La Grande Area to get it with a borrowed truck.

I'm not a cheapskate, but considering fuel to go get it, $150 is about all I have right now.

 

[xPosTech]

One of the reasons your current rearend has so much play in it is because it's a 10 bolt. If you're gonna replace it go with a 14 bolt. It would be OK to rebuild it after the swap as a temporary spare or to resell to offset the cost of the 14 bolt. There are two versions of the 14 bolt. You want the one with the hub sticking out past the wheel if you want a full floater.

Ted

 

['89_Overlander]

One of the reasons your current rearend has so much play in it is because it's a 10 bolt. If you're gonna replace it go with a 14 bolt. It would be OK to rebuild it after the swap as a temporary spare or to resell to offset the cost of the 14 bolt. There are two versions of the 14 bolt. You want the one with the hub sticking out past the wheel if you want a full floater.

Ted

I realize that a 14 bolt would be better, but i'd gladly take a 10 bolt to get her moving again right now.
Hell, I can't find any 'junk' 10 bolts for sale, little own any 14 bolt full floaters!
Thank you for your input.

 

[xPosTech]

I hear you. Do you have a welder? There's nothing really hard about fitting a rear end to a vehicle. Just cut off the stuff that doesn't fit. Like spring perches and shock mounts. With a grinder, welder, measuring tape and careful work anyone can do it.

If you're not sure of your welding skills then don't put you or your family at risk.

Ted

 

['89_Overlander]

I hear you. Do you have a welder? There's nothing really hard about fitting a rear end to a vehicle. Just cut off the stuff that doesn't fit. Like spring perches and shock mounts. With a grinder, welder, measuring tape and careful work anyone can do it.

If you're not sure of your welding skills then don't put you or your family at risk.

Ted

Hi Ted;

I have some experience with welding (Stick, MIG, and Oxy), but I don't own a welder (We live in a trailer park, go figure), and neither does my buddy whose shop I use. We joke frequently about needing to get one, but something else constantly seems to come up (I'm sure you know how that is).

I know that to fit a lot of axles, the spring pads & shock mounts may have to be moved/swapped/etc... Direct fit would just be a lot better since I need to have it available to drive by the time the serious snow and ice hit here in less than a month. I have actually done a fair bit of building & wrenching on 4x4s over the years; mostly Jeeps & Zukis.

Finally, like I said above... I can't find any axle options at ALL around these parts that aren't insultingly expensive or empty shells.

 

[garagerog]

Hi Overlander, you might have to start looking in the Boise area, largest metro to you. Yards and even Craigs List. I used to live in Kennewick years ago and there was a large yard in Pasco, but I don't recall the name of it.

 

['89_Overlander]

Hi Overlander, you might have to start looking in the Boise area, largest metro to you. Yards and even Craigs List. I used to live in Kennewick years ago and there was a large yard in Pasco, but I don't recall the name of it.

I appreciate the information! This upcoming week I'll be calling around like a madman... I'll post an update in the regular 'Burban forum if I end up with an axle. In the mean time, if anyone else trips over one they want to part with cheap, let me know!

 

[xPosTech]

Most yards are on a network and can have parts shipped in from other yards. Overnight shipping is mucho dinero but three or four days they might not charge for or pretty reasonable. Check prices for both axles - you might get surprised.

Ted