I know this sounds crazy, but... like the 10-bolt which comes in three sizes (7.5", 7 5/8", 8.5"), GM's 14-bolt comes in three sizes aswell:
- 11.5" ring, full floating axles (used on 1 tons)
- 10.5" ring, full floating axles (used on 1 ton and 3/4 ton)
- 9.5" ring, semi-floating axles (used on 1/2 and some 3/4 ton trucks).

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...ble/index.html

The 14-bolt axles come in various widths, but the interesting one is 63.5". The 4th gen rear's stock size is 64.72", meaning that a 14-bolt would leave 0.61" on each end for a spacer plate... or more correctly, an adapter plate (to convert from 6-lug to 5-lug).

So... anyone heard of someone playing with this idea?
14-bolts are dirt cheap, have been mass-produced like mad since the 70's, and should be damn near indestructable.

Anyone know the weight of a 10, 12, and 14 bolt rear?
Obviously the Torque-arm, PHR mount, spring seats would have to be welded on to convert one, but it might be a project someone's already taken on. Just curious really.

The Quadra-steer is an interesting side note on this one as it's pretty much self-contained unit and "possible", but would obviously make our PHR impossible to mount, add even MORE unsprung weight, and there is no way in H3ll you could do it without flaring the wheel wells. Not to mention the system's crazy-expensive.

Interesting idea for a show car or something (might be fun in an autocross) but I belive it's only available as a 10.5" (3/4 ton gets cast steel brackets, the 1 ton get forged steel brackets). Might be able to convert the suspension to NASCAR style "truck arms", but that's a huge project.

 

I have a 83 3/4 ton with a 14 bolt and I know someone that put one in a 1/2 for use as a bracket racer for someone. the 14 bolts are good but gears listed in summit are low 300's I think. Mine and the one I put in a half ton the brakes had to be swapped due to the huge drums. Its a good rear but I wouldnt do it unless you good with fabicating.