10 bolt limited slip to open

[tloc2290]

Good afternoon all,

I am new to this forum, and it looks like you guys really know your stuff, so I am hoping for a little help. I have a 97 K1500 with 3.73 gears that blew the ‘clutch?’ gears out of the 10 bolt limited slip on a slow left turn. I am wondering the pros and cons of the following scenarios: 1) I can just pull all the extra hardware out and run it as an open diff, 2) I have a donor that is a 92 1/2 ton with a 6 lug 14 bolt and 3.73 for $300, or 3) rebuild the current differential as it was. I am a hobbyist mechanic at best, with no real shop to speak of, nor am i a complete novice. I typically know where my limits lie. Thanks in advance.

 

[Scooterwrench]

Rebuild it! Limited slip is always better than a one wheel wonder.

 

[99xcss4]

limited slip is always better than a one wheel wonder

I agree with this but I would still swap the 6 lug 9.5 14 bolt it is a much better axle then a 10 bolt could ever hope to be. it has bigger brakes and beafyer internals and could always be converted to limited slip later.

 

[SNCTMPL]

Another vote for the 14 bolt, especially for $300.

 

[Caman96]

100% 14b SF. The donor truck is also a K series right?

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

The donor truck is also a K series right?

Hmmm, a 92 1/2 Ton with a 14 bolt 6 lug must be a "heavy 1/2" 4X4 or, converted from a LD 3/4 Ton truck. I thought almost all 1/2 Tons came with the 10 Bolt 5 or 6 lug.

 

[Caman96]

Hmmm, a 92 1/2 Ton with a 14 bolt 6 lug must be a "heavy 1/2" 4X4 or, converted from a LD 3/4 Ton truck. I thought almost all 1/2 Tons came with the 10 Bolt 5 or 6 lug.

I used to have a 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 with F44 Package which included a 14b SF.
Here’s its build sheet. Note RPO codes:
F44, JB6, C5S, 6GH & 7GH(both a beefier torsion bar than typical 1500’s) and also F51. All on a 1500, damn I miss that truck!

free vin decode,vin report for 2GTEK19R5W1510798

free vin decode,vin report for 2GTEK19R5W1510798

www.free-vin-decoder.com

 

[Yeetsmyfeets]

I used to have a 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 with F44 Package which included a 14b SF.
Here’s its build sheet. Note RPO codes:
F44, JB6, C5S, 6GH & 7GH(both a beefier torsion bar than typical 1500’s) and also F51. All on a 1500, damn I miss that truck!

free vin decode,vin report for 2GTEK19R5W1510798

free vin decode,vin report for 2GTEK19R5W1510798

www.free-vin-decoder.com

That's my truck exactly, except it's a Silverado. Same year and RPO codes and everything.

 

[someotherguy]

I used to have a 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 with F44 Package which included a 14b SF.
Here’s its build sheet. Note RPO codes:
F44, JB6, C5S, 6GH & 7GH(both a beefier torsion bar than typical 1500’s) and also F51. All on a 1500, damn I miss that truck!

free vin decode,vin report for 2GTEK19R5W1510798

free vin decode,vin report for 2GTEK19R5W1510798

www.free-vin-decoder.com

Correct. 1500 w/F44 package gets the 9.5" 14 bolt and more spring.

OP, swap that 14 bolt over, be sure grab the u-bolt saddles, and some new u-bolts. You'll need a conversion u-joint or the driveshaft from the other truck if it's same wheelbase/transmission.

Richard

 

[Caman96]

Correct. 1500 w/F44 package gets the 9.5" 14 bolt and more spring.

OP, swap that 14 bolt over, be sure grab the u-bolt saddles, and some new u-bolts. You'll need a conversion u-joint or the driveshaft from the other truck if it's same wheelbase/transmission.

Richard

Most, at least the ones I’ve seen with F44 were built in Canada. One of our northern members posted awhile back that 14b’s were very common up in Canada.