Semi-Floating vs. Full-floating

[Shikaroka]

Is there much benefit of a full-floating axle over the semi-floating?

I have the 10" full-floater in my Suburban. I have a 10" semi-floater, from a newer truck, here in my garage. The semi-floater has disk brakes, which I'd like to have on my Suburban.

Would it be much of a downgrade if I swap the full-floater for the semi-floater?

I know that the full-floaters are easier to work on, but is there much more benefit to them?

[trbankii]

Technically, the full-floater is stronger as the axle shafts are only dealing with the torque and not the vehicle weight.

But how much stronger it is in your application is a question.

Also, there are companies that make setups to adapt the disc brakes to the full-float axle.

[More Power]

The 14-bolt semi-floating axle contains a 9.5" ring gear, while the 14-bolt FF has a 10.5" ring gear.

Over time, the SF was available with 3 different axle tubing diameters and/or wall thicknesses, 3.0" axle tubing diameter with a 4,800-lb weight rating, 3.34" diameter (.238" wall) with a 5,700-lb rating, and 3.34" (.260" wall) with a 6,000-lb rating.

The 9.5" FF has a 4,993-lb-ft axle output torque rating.

The 10.5" FF was available with a 3.48" axle tubing diameter and a wall thickness of either .215" or .492". This produced an axle weight rating of 5,700-lb or 8,600-lb.

The 10.5" FF has a 6,242-lb-ft axle output torque rating.

All that said, a lot of Suburbans and 3/4-ton pickups have been built with the 9.5" SF through the years. ;)

Jim

[opto]

Not all 10.5" FF are 3,5" there is 3 3/8" tubed aswell, it all depends on the application
The 9.5" SF was also available in 3 3/8" tubing

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/14b_bible/index.html

also some info on brakes

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Brakes/

[Shikaroka]

Thanks for the info guys!

Apparently all the disc brakes kits are for the older axles, where you have to pull the studs to remove the drum. At least that's all I have been able to find.