How are these axles compared to...?

Jthomas · January 14, 2012, 12:40:54 AM

What exactly is a full floater diff? And how is it compared to a locker?
Thanks.

chevystudz7105 · January 14, 2012, 01:12:13 AM

a full floater axle you can remove the axle shafts by unbolting i believe 6 bolts on the far outside of the axle (on the hub) you can also remove the pinion gear from the axle by unbolting 6 bolts on the front of the axle (where drive shaft connects to axle). you can do both of these without having to take the diff cover off. also has a 10.5 ring gear compared to a semi floater which has a 9.5 and on a semi floater you are not able to pull the axle shafts or the pinion gear without taking off the diff cover.

Jthomas · January 14, 2012, 02:13:52 AM

Thanks. Would this be a good axle for wheeling? And are they locking diffs? How is it compared to having a detroit in a 14 bolt?

mutt truck · January 14, 2012, 03:39:15 AM

A locker , like a detroit, is in the carrier itself. If it is a stock axel it is more tan likely an open axel. If it is just fir wheekin then the cheapest and easiest way to lock it is to weld the spider gears in the axel.

7387chevynut · January 14, 2012, 03:51:45 AM

When buying a FF 14 bolt.............be sure you either get one with a Detroit locker in it.................or one that is OPEN (non posi) ........that a detroit can be installed in.

The FF 14 bolts that came with factory Gov lock units will not accept a Detroit locker.

Jthomas · January 14, 2012, 02:04:59 PM

Thanks alot fellas.

ToughBowtieTruck · January 15, 2012, 01:33:25 AM

The term "full float" comes from the fact the rear tires ride on 2 bearings. The axle shaft takes NO weight load, just has to turn the wheels, (it floats)

A "semi float" axle means there is only 1 bearing the rear tires ride on (the tires are supported by the axle where the bearing is), and the axle shaft has to support the truck weight as well as turn the wheels.

Full floats are great for 2 reasons: 1. They handle a LOT more abuse and 2. You can break an axle and still drive it to get off the trail. A semi float with a broken axle will cause the tire to slide out of the rear end because the axle holds it all together.

gator82 · January 15, 2012, 02:08:52 AM

another way to tell the difference is the ring gear sets on the passenger side where a semi float 14 bolt ring gear sets on the driver side. Full floaters are stronger and would be a better choice for wheeling. If it is from a military truck, there is a possibility that it could have a locker already in it.