94 c1500 big block swap (not tbi)

[b454rat]

Show me where a 9.5" semi float 14 bolt is stronger than a 9" or a Dana 60. That's why drag racers, street rods, hi horse power cars/truck all run one?? Yes for bolt in ease it might be the cheapest/simplest, but not the strongest. A 10 bolt can be a strong axle, just not in stock form. I've seen a lot of hi horse cars/trucks running the 10 bolt, they can survive hi horsepower. Welding perches is not that difficult. I ran a 7.5" stock rear in my 79 Malibu with a healthy 454 and a 4-speed, posi with 295/50s, people were taking bets what was gonna blow first, the Saginaw or the rear, nothing did.

 

[Dominooch89]

Yeah, you can spend real money getting a "new" custom axle, or a used, kludged-up mess that you hope has the leaf spring and shock mounts welded-on at the correct location and angle.

Or you can dig a stronger axle out of a 2500 or 3500 at a Treasure Yard for peanuts; and it bolts right in except for the U-joint.

Question is that a 8 lug in the 10.5 or do they come 6

 

[b454rat]

The 10.5” is a full float 8 lug. There is hubs to convert to 6 lug but kinda dumb IMO. Semi float 9.5” has both 6 n 8 lug, and the hard to find 5 lug from the SS454.

 

[Dominooch89]

The 10.5” is a full float 8 lug. There is hubs to convert to 6 lug but kinda dumb IMO. Semi float 9.5” has both 6 n 8 lug, and the hard to find 5 lug from the SS454.

Damn the knowledge has been dropped thanks to everyone for educating me further. I’ve been researching and it looks like while spending money I might as well go ford 9 inch I don’t think I want 8 lug but I’m still deciding. Still have to send the block out for machine work. I did some research and looks like monster transmission makes a 4l80e for up to 950hp application which I’ll never reach nor want to. So that eliminates a lot of bs and it comes with a 3 year warranty. Seems like that’s settled just have to figure the rear out fully now again thanks guys

 

[JayMB]

Don't buy a monster transmission. They have a terrible reputation. If you want a 4L80E I'd look at Jake's Performance in Texas.

 

[unruhjonny]

Please post pictures, and keep us updated on your progress!
My old boss had a truck like mine (an '88) that he swapped to a big block - that thing was beastly!!
If I was to deviate from 100% stock on my truck (which I have absolutely no plan to do right now), I'd go directly to the drivetrain, put a bigger carbureted engine in place, and probably convert it to 2wd with a manual transmission...

 

[Dominooch89]

Don't buy a monster transmission. They have a terrible reputation. If you want a 4L80E I'd look at Jake's Performance in Texas.

Damn I had no idea thanks. But they did say for 300 I can get a 3 year guarantee, which sounds great to me. And that’s a mistake I meant 4l60e because it would be a lot easier on wiring, spedo, rpm and no trans computer needed. Even if I go somewhere else do you thing a 4l60e rated to 900+ hp is bs?

 

[df2x4]

Even if I go somewhere else do you thing a 4l60e rated to 900+ hp is bs?

Considering I killed a $2500 one with a stock 4.3L V6, I'd say so. There's always that one guy who runs huge HP/TQ and says he has no issues, but that is definitely not the norm. If you're trying to make power with an auto go with a 4L80E for sure. You will save yourself a ton of money and headaches.

X2 on staying away from Monster. Seriously, just Google reviews on them. What good is a $300 3 year guarantee if they won't honor it?

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

I have a "stage 2, 600HP" 700R4 from Transmission Depot (paid $2200) that has a 3 year warranty. It's not acting right. won't shift from 2 - 3 at WOT and freewheels when shift from 3 - 4 at WOT when I run with less throttle it shifts hard but OK. Now the good part - their warranty states that I have to pull the trans and ship it to them (across country), then they'll look at it. What good is that? I'm just gonna try to find a reputable shop around here and have it fixed.

Don't buy a trans from Transmission Depot either!

 

[df2x4]

I have a "stage 2, 600HP" 700R4 from Transmission Depot (paid $2200) that has a 3 year warranty. It's not acting right. won't shift from 2 - 3 at WOT and freewheels when shift from 3 - 4 at WOT when I run with less throttle it shifts hard but OK. Now the good part - their warranty states that I have to pull the trans and ship it to them (across country), then they'll look at it. What good is that? I'm just gonna try to find a reputable shop around here and have it fixed.

Don't buy a trans from Transmission Depot either!

Junkyard 4L80Es are pretty cheap... You've already got the tuning part covered with minimal research I'd imagine. Just a thought.