I used a couple straight edges , and slide squares , ect. to measure the ground clearance of my current axles , and the ones in my shop .

I drew a centerline mark on each pumpkin cover then measured from there down to the lowest point of each pumpkin .

FRONT AXLES

Dana 30 4 7/16" completely un-modified
Dana 60 6 1/8" completely un-modified

for a net loss of 1 11/16" (of ground clearance at lowest point)

REAR AXLES

Ford 8.8" 5 13/16" completely un-modified
GM 14b 6 3/8" mild shave (saving 14th bolt entirely)

for a net loss of 9/16" (of ground clearance at lowest point)

I was just looking for a realworld numbers comparison , everyone says things like "that 14b will plow the fields " ect. . . .

Ground clearance all depends on the tires, so you can't really make a chart.

Good info - I'd like to see more.

The tire size doesn't matter - you're looking at how far the pumpkin dips below centerline, which equates to clearance if you're running the same size tires.

It's hard to beat a shaved 9in.

I'll try measure my Toyotas and the front D44LP, If I remind.

Ground clearance all depends on the tires, so you can't really make a chart.

True, but he has the right measurements going here.



hick

Good info - I'd like to see more.

The tire size doesn't matter - you're looking at how far the pumpkin dips below centerline, which equates to clearance if you're running the same size tires.

Then I misunderstood the OP.

Most of the time when people swap in heavier axles its to move up to a larger tire, so usually whatever is lost is gained back, and then some.

Nice work.

With this info you can tell how much clearance would be lost on an axle swap usuing the same tires. If you wanted to figure in the rest, take diameter of new tire, subtract diameter of old tire, divide by 2.

Lose 1 11/16 by going from D30 to d60. Change from 33" to 37" tires. Net gain 5/16" clearance.

I was just looking for a realworld numbers comparison , everyone says things like "that 14b will plow the fields " ect. . . .

:laughing: Everyone says that because they are trying to defend their puny little dana 44 against my 14b.

It's hard to beat a shaved 9in.

Yep...:smokin:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/knuckelhead/floatingtj.jpg