14 Bolt questions

[00CrewCab]

So first off I’m kinda new here, second off I absolutely love these trucks, except one major thing, the rear axle track width. So here goes: I have a 2000 K2500 454, I’m 99% sure I have a full float 14 bolt rear axle, which is 65”(?) track width or 67”(?) WSM according to my research. The front end measures a track width of 68.5”, again according to my research. I figured my best option is do to find a new axle (current is bent and I’ll be adding a limited slip). I’d like to stick with a 14 bolt for ease of parts, but which one? I hear lots of different gens and years and measurements. I think I need to try and find a Express/Savana 2500/3500 rear 14 bolt, because according to my research, it’s a 67” track width axle (link below). I’d like to know if I’m completely wrong, or if there are other axle options for this “issue”? I’ve also heard that the 11.5” 14 bolt was used in dodge 2500/3500 trucks for 03+, but unsure on track width or any other changes for those applications. Also looking to do a disc brake conversion on the axle (whichever I end up choosing), so if there’s 14 bolt options with disc brakes that would be good. My trucks primary use is daily driving and towing, this axle swap is one of many parts to the project of my truck. Thanks for any input!

Link to savana/express 2500/3500 specs page 68/69

https://www.gmupfitter.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2013_GH_Van_060116b.pdf

 

[Supercharged111]

I believe a dually axle was wider? That would be bolt in and go.

 

[b454rat]

Dually will be too wide. Need to find a van axle. If yah want discs then 93-up I believe. If don't really care then any year will work. I have one from an 02, has enormous drums on it. Unfortunately any van axle will have to have spring and shock mounts moved, but not that difficult. Or could get a set of spacers. Both mine have spacers on it right now, but at some point they will get the van axle.

 

[Supercharged111]

Dually will be too wide. Need to find a van axle. If yah want discs then 93-up I believe. If don't really care then any year will work. I have one from an 02, has enormous drums on it. Unfortunately any van axle will have to have spring and shock mounts moved, but not that difficult. Or could get a set of spacers. Both mine have spacers on it right now, but at some point they will get the van axle.

How much wider is the dually axle? I have some steel spacers in the garage, I think they're 1.5", that are going on the plow truck and they'll even out the stance nicely.

 

[b454rat]

Also, your axle is a 14ff. Easy to tell by the bolt in pinion bearing support, has 5 or 6 bolts behind the yoke. The vans uses them up to 92 IIRC then after that they were Dana axles. But need to be careful, the 2500 used a 60 with semi float, and the 3500 used the 70 with full float. Both will have discs tho. Any 14 bolt 90-ish n up will 100% bolt in, any other year or axle will require moving mounts. 88 and 89 used a Dana 70 3HD. Not a horrible axle, but heard parts are hard to find....

 

[b454rat]

How much wider is the dually axle? I have some steel spacers in the garage, I think they're 1.5", that are going on the plow truck and they'll even out the stance nicely.

I wanna say 72", but never had one so can't confirm. I saw a burb with one, with stock single wheels on it, and looked stupid...I''ll have to snap a pic of my truck from the back so can see the wider stance with the spacer....

 

[b454rat]

Pics of the one, other is in garage with front end torn apart…proportions look off cause theres no rear flares. Wheels are 8" wide 4" b/s tires are 33s.

 

[00CrewCab]

Pics of the one, other is in garage with front end torn apart…

That’s stock axle with spacers? So which axle should I look for? Really want the 14b, so a 93+ van axle? That has the wider width and disc brakes? Modifying the axle tube for spring and shock mounts isn’t a problem.

 

[b454rat]

Stock axle with 1.5" spacers.

If you want discs then need to look for mid 2000s 3500 van. If you want a 14 bolt with discs then need one from a 2500 HD, 01 and up. GM didnt have a Silverado/Sierra HD in 99/00, they would be the semi float..

 

[00CrewCab]

Stock axle with 1.5" spacers.

If you want discs then need to look for mid 2000s 3500 van. If you want a 14 bolt with discs then need one from a 2500 HD, 01 and up. GM didnt have a Silverado/Sierra HD in 99/00, they would be the semi float..

Did the newer trucks have wider rear track? I never noticed if so lol. That at least makes the search for an axle easier, those trucks are a dime a dozen, and parts are even cheaper.