9.5SF Swap

[Dantheman1540]

I have 295k on my 3.73's. I THINK o serviced it once since I bought it at 212k--I THINK . I try not smoke the tires too much.

Need to give it some WOT neutral drops and see how she like it


JK don't do that

 

[Tonyrodz]

Need to give it some WOT neutral drops and see how she like it


JK don't do that

Lol, even when I was a kid I never did that--except for the Camaro I was dumping. I coukdn't kill it tho. I didn't even hurt it.

 

[mattt]

Any way you could take a picture of it? It's possible someone swapped it because I have looked under a considerable amount of GMT800 SUVs and never seen anything other than a 10b, unless of course it was a 2500 SUV but I don't believe the escalades came with a 2500 version. Then again GM did some funky stuff back then so if you found a unicorn I want proof!


About your current rear end, it's not wear over time that gets them it's the locking mechanism in the G80 that doesn't like sudden loads and is known to expload. If its quiet and you don't plan to put big tires/heavy wheels or stomp the gas constantly it will probably be okay for awhile. The 4l60 however probably won't.

I meant to attach these pics last night when I replied. Here are the pics I have of it. Yeah, not a 2500 as it's an Escalade. Perhaps a unicorn??? Part of me wants to go grab it, but fact that it's been eff'd with already is keeping me from pulling the trigger on grabbing it just yet.

Stock 17" wheels and tire size currently and for the foreseeable future. Tahoe is my daily driver and long trip car so I'm keeping it mostly stock. The trans is on the docket for being attended to at the same time as the 6.0 swap. Believe it or not, it's the original trans with that mileage and still running. I can make it slip if I try and it is tired. The plan is to convert it to a 4L65 and whatever other strength adders are possible once it's out. All ears on suggestions for that one as I haven't researched much on that, other than the 5 planetary swap going to 4L65.

 

[Dantheman1540]

I meant to attach these pics last night when I replied. Here are the pics I have of it. Yeah, not a 2500 as it's an Escalade. Perhaps a unicorn??? Part of me wants to go grab it, but fact that it's been eff'd with already is keeping me from pulling the trigger on grabbing it just yet.

Stock 17" wheels and tire size currently and for the foreseeable future. Tahoe is my daily driver and long trip car so I'm keeping it mostly stock. The trans is on the docket for being attended to at the same time as the 6.0 swap. Believe it or not, it's the original trans with that mileage and still running. I can make it slip if I try and it is tired. The plan is to convert it to a 4L65 and whatever other strength adders are possible once it's out. All ears on suggestions for that one as I haven't researched much on that, other than the 5 planetary swap going to 4L65.



View attachment 272957 View attachment 272958

Wow that's for sure a 14b, next request is a picture of the truck from the side/front/back and the VIN if you could.

 

[Dantheman1540]

I did some Google searching and found that @mattt is for real and they do exist. I think it's just 2wd NBS Escalades. Heres one on Ebay for sale

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rear-Axle-...-/143937297385?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292

 

[randeez]

I did some Google searching and found that @mattt is for real and they do exist. I think it's just 2wd NBS Escalades. Heres one on Ebay for sale

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rear-Axle-...-/143937297385?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292

spent the day googling 9.5 inchers huh?

 

[mattt]

Do either of you know what gear ratio would've been offered in that 2wd Escalade 6.0? Were there multiple ratios available, or only one ratio in that combo? Thanks. Still mulling this one over since it's been opened up. If it were unmolested, I'd likely go snag it for future.

 

[Dantheman1540]

spent the day googling 9.5 inchers huh?

Wasn't even looking to go that big I'm just trying to hit average 6" 9.5" would get caught in the zipper to often.

Do either of you know what gear ratio would've been offered in that 2wd Escalade 6.0? Were there multiple ratios available, or only one ratio in that combo? Thanks. Still mulling this one over since it's been opened up. If it were unmolested, I'd likely go snag it for future.

Not sure I'd assume 3.42s and 3.73s to try and give the 6.0 some mpg on the highway. Since it's open I wouldn't want to pay more than maybe $100-$150. You can find a 100k-150kmile NNBS 9.5 for under $500 like I did. The G80 has held up great and I didn't have to do anything to the axle except change the fluid. I did the other stuff just for fun.

 

[mattt]

So I have now seen another GMT800 14 bolt rear axle. It's in another 2wd 6.0 Escalade that recently showed up in my local LKQ yard. This one is still complete as of yesterday. Tempting to grab it for future use when my 330k miles 10 bolt dies, maybe after the 6.0 swap. I did confirm it's the right 3.73 ratio that my Tahoe has (GT4), but no G80 in it. It would run me about $350 to get it out the gate there, don't need it now, but may in the future if/when the factory 10 bolt rear gives up the ghost. What's anyone have to say, keep the 10 bolt, or swap in the 14 bolt? Any downside to changing to a 14 bolt?

So I've now seen a 14 bolt rear axle in a 2005 and 2006 Escalade 2wd w/ 6.0. I wonder if GM used it in 2004-earlier 2wd Esky's as well...time will tell.

Anyone seen this special edition on a 2005 Escalade before? I searched and came up with nothing. The lettering is on the driver's side of the rear hatch and appears to be factory. I can't find anthing on it though. "RCA" Hi-Fi Edition???? LOL!

 

[OR VietVet]

So I have now seen another GMT800 14 bolt rear axle. It's in another 2wd 6.0 Escalade that recently showed up in my local LKQ yard. This one is still complete as of yesterday. Tempting to grab it for future use when my 330k miles 10 bolt dies, maybe after the 6.0 swap. I did confirm it's the right 3.73 ratio that my Tahoe has (GT4), but no G80 in it. It would run me about $350 to get it out the gate there, don't need it now, but may in the future if/when the factory 10 bolt rear gives up the ghost. What's anyone have to say, keep the 10 bolt, or swap in the 14 bolt? Any downside to changing to a 14 bolt?

So I've now seen a 14 bolt rear axle in a 2005 and 2006 Escalade 2wd w/ 6.0. I wonder if GM used it in 2004-earlier 2wd Esky's as well...time will tell.

Anyone seen this special edition on a 2005 Escalade before? I searched and came up with nothing. The lettering is on the driver's side of the rear hatch and appears to be factory. I can't find anthing on it though. "RCA" Hi-Fi Edition???? LOL!

View attachment 276984 View attachment 276985 View attachment 276986

When you say 14 bolt are you talking a full float axle, I doubt it, or the semi float axle? If is semi float, I would grab it for future use or @Dantheman1540 will grab it from you. The 14 bolt full float would be too extreme an axle for that vehicle but others here will chime in. By the way, you can get your own locker from Yukon Gear and be set.

 

[mattt]

When you say 14 bolt are you talking a full float axle, I doubt it, or the semi float axle? If is semi float, I would grab it for future use or @Dantheman1540 will grab it from you. The 14 bolt full float would be too extreme an axle for that vehicle but others here will chime in. By the way, you can get your own locker from Yukon Gear and be set.

Not talking about a full float axle, the FF axle is only offered in 8 lug and all Escalades are 6 lug which is the requisite semi-float. Thanks!

 

[OR VietVet]

I know it's an 8 lug. I used to own a rig with one in it. But, I had to ask so it was completely clear to me.

 

[fasteddy]

Dan...
You need this.
Its unbreakable...and it looks really cool.

Moser!

 

[OR VietVet]

Dan...
You need this.
Its unbreakable...and it looks really cool.

Moser!
View attachment 277003

Check your credit limit on two c/c before ordering this axle. I have heard of them and seen one in a drag rig once about 4 years ago. Quality costs a bunch but you will get your money's worth.

 

[Dantheman1540]

So I have now seen another GMT800 14 bolt rear axle. It's in another 2wd 6.0 Escalade that recently showed up in my local LKQ yard. This one is still complete as of yesterday. Tempting to grab it for future use when my 330k miles 10 bolt dies, maybe after the 6.0 swap. I did confirm it's the right 3.73 ratio that my Tahoe has (GT4), but no G80 in it. It would run me about $350 to get it out the gate there, don't need it now, but may in the future if/when the factory 10 bolt rear gives up the ghost. What's anyone have to say, keep the 10 bolt, or swap in the 14 bolt? Any downside to changing to a 14 bolt?

So I've now seen a 14 bolt rear axle in a 2005 and 2006 Escalade 2wd w/ 6.0. I wonder if GM used it in 2004-earlier 2wd Esky's as well...time will tell.

Anyone seen this special edition on a 2005 Escalade before? I searched and came up with nothing. The lettering is on the driver's side of the rear hatch and appears to be factory. I can't find anthing on it though. "RCA" Hi-Fi Edition???? LOL!

View attachment 276984 View attachment 276985 View attachment 276986

Theres the RPO code AXN so it's factory like you suspected! Nice find I'd grab it and save for a truetrac or other quality posi. It will be much cheaper to have a posi installed if you take the entire axle assembly to a shop rather than have them work with it in the truck. Or find a g80 online used and slap it in cheap, I am still pretty impressed at how the G80 does on-road and off, My only complaint is it doesn't like to slide.

Never seen that edition might be some after-market crap.

Another thought is to check LKQ and see how much a similar mile NNBS 9.5sf 14B would cost with a G80 already. Might be able to get one delivered to your door with a locker and much younger seals for just a hair over $350, I paid $440 or something close to that for mine with 130k.

When you say 14 bolt are you talking a full float axle, I doubt it, or the semi float axle? If is semi float, I would grab it for future use or @Dantheman1540 will grab it from you. The 14 bolt full float would be too extreme an axle for that vehicle but others here will chime in. By the way, you can get your own locker from Yukon Gear and be set.

I've actually been secretly looking for one to prep for my buddy's 408 Denali. It has a "Built" 10bolt but its only a matter of time before it dies with the way he drives.

 

[Dantheman1540]

Dan...
You need this.
Its unbreakable...and it looks really cool.

Moser!
View attachment 277003

Check your credit limit on two c/c before ordering this axle. I have heard of them and seen one in a drag rig once about 4 years ago. Quality costs a bunch but you will get your money's worth.

I'm super happy with the 14b in the Tahoe it takes some serious abuse and even the G80 has yet to let me down. I do wish I would have bought a fabbed housing 9" or 10" for my Silverado though. Building a 90s HD 9.5sf 14B (Beefier than the AXN 9.5sf) has been more expensive than I anticipated and I could have probably called someone like RUffSTuff Specialties and had them build me one of their axles for the same amount or less. Moser is just crazy expensive although awesome!

 

[fasteddy]

Check your credit limit on two c/c before ordering this axle. I have heard of them and seen one in a drag rig once about 4 years ago. Quality costs a bunch but you will get your money's worth.

It was like $1200. I don't know how much to finish it off......and brakes are extra, LOL.

Everytime I get a rear end rebuilt that's about what it is....$1200....And I think mine needs to be checked as I hear a slight clunk from the rear passenger side on some shifts.

But that Moser looks really cool.

 

[fasteddy]

I'm super happy with the 14b in the Tahoe it takes some serious abuse and even the G80 has yet to let me down. I do wish I would have bought a fabbed housing 9" or 10" for my Silverado though. Building a 90s HD 9.5sf 14B (Beefier than the AXN 9.5sf) has been more expensive than I anticipated and I could have probably called someone like RUffSTuff Specialties and had them build me one of their axles for the same amount or less. Moser is just crazy expensive although awesome!

That one looks tough too!
Fabbed rear ends look so cool.

And don't you hate that?
You make a decision on an assembly because it seems adequate and less money. Then when you're done you realize the better one was actually a better decision.
I've done that many times....LOL

 

[Dantheman1540]

It was like $1200. I don't know how much to finish it off......and brakes are extra, LOL.

Everytime I get a rear end rebuilt that's about what it is....$1200....And I think mine needs to be checked as I hear a slight clunk from the rear passenger side on some shifts.

But that Moser looks really cool.

Yeah, that's $1,200 for just the housing not the axle shafts, ring and pinion, posi unit, 3rd member, brakes, parking brake, or all of the shock and spring mounts. Shit gets expensive quick! I'm about $700in on my 14b for my Silverado and it needs another $2kish.

 

[S33k3r]

Theres the RPO code AXN so it's factory like you suspected! Nice find I'd grab it and save for a truetrac or other quality posi. It will be much cheaper to have a posi installed if you take the entire axle assembly to a shop rather than have them work with it in the truck. Or find a g80 online used and slap it in cheap, I am still pretty impressed at how the G80 does on-road and off, My only complaint is it doesn't like to slide.

Never seen that edition might be some after-market crap.

Another thought is to check LKQ and see how much a similar mile NNBS 9.5sf 14B would cost with a G80 already. Might be able to get one delivered to your door with a locker and much younger seals for just a hair over $350, I paid $440 or something close to that for mine with 130k.



I've actually been secretly looking for one to prep for my buddy's 408 Denali. It has a "Built" 10bolt but its only a matter of time before it dies with the way he drives.

You might look at a G86, which is the limited slip differential. I've got one in my Suburban, and one in my Silverado; my daughter's Sierra Denali has a G80. The G86 is *much* smoother.