What the diff ?

lilfoot

Member
Joined
Apr 1, 2008
Location
Marion,N.C.
I have recently got a hold of a 98 Chevy 3500 van 14bolt FF. It looks to be about the same width and all as a SRW from earlier models. The van has low miles (wrecked) and in good shape, just wondering if it's the same. I will eventually pull the cover and see for myself, just seeing if anyone has any info.
 
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/14b_bible/index.html

look for this section: The different types of 14 bolt.
Van, DRW, and SRW/C&C axle shafts are all different lengths as follows (long/right side / short/left side):

* Type 1 - SRW/C&C - 37-5/8" / 31-5/8"Type 2 - DRW - ??
* Type 3 - Van - 39-3/8" / 33-3/8"
Click to expand...


so it sounds like the Vans have a wider housing and still use SRW hubs, ~70" wms-wms. you could swap DRW hubs onto it to bring the wms-wms in a few inches if you want to do that.

shafts are different as well.

also:
Different yearsThe year split is '72-88 and 89+. I shall refer to these as "first design" and "second design". Of course, there may be variations. Differences between these years are noted below. Where the difference is known only to apply to certain "types", I shall indicate this. Otherwsie, it is not known whether the differences noted between the years apply to all types or not.

* Second design axles have more fins on the center sectionFirst design axles 1984 and earlier use a different pinion straddle bearing than 1985 and later
* Second design SRW axles in 1-ton pickup trucks and 3/4 ton Suburbans changed to allow for a slide-off drum (drum can be removed without pressing out the wheel studs). The backside of these hubs is not machined flat to accept a rotor, for example. The hub flange is also further inboard to allow for the thickness of the drum.
Click to expand...

hope that helps. the 14bolt bible has a lot of info
 
Man talk about a write-up, thanks. I'll have to look at the backing plates and see if the disc brake kit will in fact not work. Seems like there would be a rotor that would fit off of something.
 
yeah it's pretty intense. any time I need to look up something with a 14bolt, I go there first. and usually it is in there.

I have a C&C axle, but I am using SRW hubs-- the rotors and everything fit, but I just am having to get weld-on brackets. this solution would almost definitely work for you as well. I got my stuff from Gubni on here
 
It appears that only weld on would work and the width is around 69", 70". I guess I'll look into just keeping the center section, it's got a good lookin 4.56.
 
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