Full Float Rear End?

[Matthew Jeschke]

Does anybody make a direct bolt on solution that is a fully floating rear end for our Tahoes? One that retains the same lug pattern as well? I see some people convert the 14bolt?

My concern is, I'm looking to eventually use my Tahoe to trailer my Corvette to races and a bit Leary to do it on a semi float rear end.

 

[OR VietVet]

The 10 1/2 14 bolt would be the way to go. They made a heavier duty 11 1/2 14 bolt but that is used in the large trucks and diesels. The 10 1/2 14 bolt version is found in the some Escalades and in the bigger vans like the Savana. It is a full float axle. Would be more likely to be a direct bolt in without much adaption.

 

[swathdiver]

The 10 1/2 14 bolt would be the way to go. They made a heavier duty 11 1/2 14 bolt but that is used in the large trucks and diesels. The 10 1/2 14 bolt version is found in the some Escalades and in the bigger vans like the Savana. It is a full float axle. Would be more likely to be a direct bolt in without much adaption.

Those are 8 lug axle shafts. The 9.5 14-bolt AXN has 6 lug axles but is still a semi-floater but much stronger than the 8.6". It's the way I'm going someday.

 

[OR VietVet]

Yep, seen the 9.5 swap done on several off road Jeeps and other rigs like a Blazer. They are strong enough to do the towing Matthew speaks of.

 

[Matthew Jeschke]

Yeah I'd LOVE to have an enclosed car hauler with my 99 FRC Corvette (3000 lbs) some tools, and spare parts, I'd imagine say 4000 to 5000 lbs in the trailer. Not sure what a tahoe can take on the chassis. Just makes me SUPER nervous with the hub and axle being one part in a 10 bolt. Single point of failure and everything's lost lol

 

[OR VietVet]

Well, even that 10 1/2" full float came smaller so that the swap could likely be relatively painless, in the scheme of things.

 

[SnowDrifter]

If you're towing heavy stuff often, honestly, get a suburban. The wheelbase would do you well

 

[OR VietVet]

If you're towing heavy stuff often, honestly, get a suburban. The wheelbase would do you well

Damn great recommendation. The longer wheel base is a better ride and that handles enclosed trailers better because of the wind those trailers plow through and you can get one with a 14 bolt 10 1/2" rear axle. God, I love spending other people's money.

 

[SnowDrifter]

Damn great recommendation. The longer wheel base is a better ride and that handles enclosed trailers better because of the wind those trailers plow through and you can get one with a 14 bolt 10 1/2" rear axle. God, I love spending other people's money.

Seems a better value to me than trying to beef up the rear axle in a tahoe just to tow stuff lol

 

[Matthew Jeschke]

Gd point. I maybe reaching for more than the design was ever intended for.

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[OR VietVet]

Longer wheelbase always tows better than a short one. Plus, like I was saying, the Suburban can be had with the factory 14 bolt full float you are looking for. Those axles can be pretty much grenade proof.

 

[Matthew Jeschke]

only thing is i have no plans to buy another vehicle :/ and no space where i live. i like the better departure angle for off road with the tahoe... but also means shorter wheelbase.

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[OR VietVet]

Towing a trailer and the Corvette on a regular basis with the short wheelbase Tahoe will put stress on that lighter duty chassis. Plus, that trailer will push that Tahoe around. The longer wheelbase and the 3/4 ton set up on the chassis and suspension of the Suburban is made for the towing you want to do. Are you saying that the trailer and the Corvette stay with you and the Tahoe and that is why there is no more room for the Suburban? May have to keep the Suburban elsewhere then, if you decide to do that. I am not saying that you should not tow with the Tahoe but I am saying it will wear and tear on that Tahoe much quicker. Plus t does not seem that you already have the enclosed trailer. The other choice is an open trailer that will be less weight. It will also leave you very limited on trailer space for the Corvette and whatever supplies you take with you for the support of the Vette.

 

[SnowDrifter]

Won't help with stresses to the car, but at least in QOL, I wonder how far a load distributing hitch and good anti sway would get you

 

[Matthew Jeschke]

my dream is two build out tahoe with 6.0L 4l65e and that 14bolt cull float rear end. altho that is short the longer wheelbase and stiffer frame I assume comes on 3/4 tkn chassis :/

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[OR VietVet]

my dream is two build out tahoe with 6.0L 4l65e and that 14bolt cull float rear end. altho that is short the longer wheelbase and stiffer frame I assume comes on 3/4 tkn chassis :/

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Now you are thinking. You can build a bad ass Tahoe with the bigger engine, more power heavy duty axle....etc. but if you can't stretch the frame out and strengthen the frame and suspension for 3/4 ton, you have a short wheelbase rig that IMO you will not like towing that much weight with on a regular basis. Sky is the limit for what you can tow with the right Suburban.

Think of what the cost is to install the engine you want and the rear axle you want and all associated costs and then think about what you could get putting that money toward the Suburban. I have said it before on this forum, I like spending other people's money.

Like Chris said too, distribution hitch and sway bar make the tow/ride so much more enjoyable.

 

[Matthew Jeschke]

Now you are thinking. You can build a bad ass Tahoe with the bigger engine, more power heavy duty axle....etc. but if you can't stretch the frame out and strengthen the frame and suspension for 3/4 ton, you have a short wheelbase rig that IMO you will not like towing that much weight with on a regular basis. Sky is the limit for what you can tow with the right Suburban.

Think of what the cost is to install the engine you want and the rear axle you want and all associated costs and then think about what you could get putting that money toward the Suburban. I have said it before on this forum, I like spending other people's money.

Like Chris said too, distribution hitch and sway bar make the tow/ride so much more enjoyable.

to be honest i would love a military hummer now that they are phasing them out lol

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[OR VietVet]

You got a hell of a wish list going there.

 

[Sam Harris]

to be honest i would love a military hummer now that they are phasing them out lol

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I’ve always wanted an H1..!

 

[Matthew Jeschke]

I might as well dream big as long as other ppl are helping me spend my money lol

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