Axle question

[BadNews]

Hello fellow GM fans!

I realize my car in question is no 4x4, but the question I have should have an answer in one of you experts

I am currently rebuilding a chevy 350 with the edelbrock performer kit for use in a G20 van 1987. According to Edelbrock, the engine will kick out about 410 HP / 400 Torques.
The car currently has a TH700-R4 with stock rear axle. I am considering replacing that with a TH400 and strenghtening the rear axle.

Im guessing the stock chevy will not handle that kind of power. Any suggestions to what I should change / upgrade?

[-Jake-]

Does it have a 10 bolt in it now? I would wait to upgrade anything until it broke. I had a Chevelle with a healthy 454 that had a 10 bolt and it took all the beating I dished out.

[PwrWagons4ever]

Fuck me senseless........ "Hello fellow GM fans" What kind of ghey shit is that? You come to the hardest core 4X4 site in the world with a question not about a 4X4, not even a truck, but a fuckin VAN? I'm just bored this morning, or I wouldn't even justify your question with a response. "What to change"? Change forums...go find some soccer mom mini van forum and ask your BS questions. Do yourself a favor and run....run like the wind back to where you belong, before it gets really bad!

[BadNews]

Originally Posted by PwrWagons4ever

Fuck me senseless........ "Hello fellow GM fans" What kind of ghey shit is that? You come to the hardest core 4X4 site in the world with a question not about a 4X4, not even a truck, but a fuckin VAN? I'm just bored this morning, or I wouldn't even justify your question with a response. "What to change"? Change forums...go find some soccer mom mini van forum and ask your BS questions. Do yourself a favor and run....run like the wind back to where you belong, before it gets really bad!

Reason for the "hello fellow GM fans" was that this post was originally put in the Chevy part of the forum. As you point out, Im no expert, so I got redirected to the newbie forum.

I would think the newbie forum would be welcoming to new members in order to create interest for the offroad hobby

I even wrote a little disclaimer, so that people with no interest in 2wd's could skip right next to the next post. Sorry for stealing your valuable time. Besides, I guess american rear axles isnt rocket science and that alot of the hints and tips could convert from 4x4s!

I'll bookmark you for when I have hardcore 4x4 questions that you can answer from your elite book of scary 4x4's

[Loftis61]

I wouldnt exactly trust the numbers on the box, but I would just stick with what ya got. Ever heard the saying, "if it aint broke, dont fix it"? IF it breaks, find a smokin deal on a 1 ton and do the swap. My only question is why in the sam hell do you need 400 (on the box number)H.P. to pull a trailor?

[Spoolin250]

that box is incorrect, you might make 400 flywheel hp, you won't get 400 to the wheels out of a 350 with a edelbrock package. a well built 383 stroker will make close to that with a crappy tune. but if it is a standard bore 350 with heads/cam/intake, you might make around 350 to the wheels through a 700R4.

[Corey Young]

Run a TH400 with a bolt on yoke, semi floating 5 or 6 lug 14 bolt rear, 1350 u-joints and a Auburn or Eaton limited slip diff.

[BadNews]

Originally Posted by Loftis61

I wouldnt exactly trust the numbers on the box, but I would just stick with what ya got. Ever heard the saying, "if it aint broke, dont fix it"? IF it breaks, then find a junk 3/4 ton and swap axles out of it... OR if you get REALLY lucky, find a smokin deal on a 1 ton and do the swap. My only question is why in the sam hell do you need 400 (on the box number)H.P. to pull a trailor?

Thanks everyone for their good replies. Ive got some thinking to do here it seems! About the horsepower, its not for pulling a trailer, more for fun. I'd like to be able to use the car to pull a heavy load without having to fear that the trans/driveline is going to crap out on me

[trkklr77]

being that it is a 3/4t it should already have the 9.5 14bsf, that axle will take a lot more than you can make.

[Mh4Runner]

Originally Posted by -Jake-

Does it have a 10 bolt in it now? I would wait to upgrade anything until it broke. I had a Chevelle with a healthy 454 that had a 10 bolt and it took all the beating I dished out.

Either your 454 sucked, your tires sucked, or your not tall enough to push the gas pedal to the floor on a regular basis.

Originally Posted by trkklr77

being that it is a 3/4t it should already have the 9.5 14bsf, that axle will take a lot more than you can make.

Most G20 vans I have seen have had the 10 bolt rear with 5 lug axles shafts. I wish you were right.

This is Pirate4x4.com, I am a little disappointed that he didn't get the standard, "14 bolt and weld it ".

A 10 bolt will put up with some abuse if it is in good shape. With all good bearings and the preloads right, it should survive for a while.

[Dodgen]

Originally Posted by PwrWagons4ever

Fuck me senseless........ "Hello fellow GM fans" What kind of ghey shit is that? You come to the hardest core 4X4 site in the world with a question not about a 4X4, not even a truck, but a fuckin VAN? I'm just bored this morning, or I wouldn't even justify your question with a response. "What to change"? Change forums...go find some soccer mom mini van forum and ask your BS questions. Do yourself a favor and run....run like the wind back to where you belong, before it gets really bad!

I bet you have been waiting your whole registered 4 months to finally flame someone...only to do it in the Newbie flame free section. Way to go moron.

[-Jake-]

Originally Posted by Mh4Runner

Either your 454 sucked, your tires sucked, or your not tall enough to push the gas pedal to the floor on a regular basis.
.

I am short but I did get WOT on it. It did have an open diff with 2.73s which I am sure helped.

[PwrWagons4ever]

Originally Posted by Dodgen

I bet you have been waiting your whole registered 4 months to finally flame someone...only to do it in the Newbie flame free section. Way to go moron.

So since when are VANS allowed in a Pirate BB? Even the Newbie? And no you are incorrect....this isn't the first person I've flamed.

[Dodgen]

Originally Posted by PwrWagons4ever

So since when are VANS allowed in a Pirate BB? Even the Newbie? And no you are incorrect....this isn't the first person I've flamed.

Well, since you are a mud bogger you can probably appreciate this. Seems this guy has just as much right to be here as you do. Its in a van, and may have even made it farther than you could.

YouTube - Van Mud Bog

My point is the guy had an axle and tranny question. And the ones that he asked about are used in 4WD applications. He asked in the right place and even somewhat appologized because it was not a 4WD vehicle. Next time don't get so excited and think some before you flame the shit out of the newbie in the newbie section. Now take off to the hardcore section and have some fun.

[Loftis61]

Badass ^. I dont exactly see where he messed up. It could be worse, like that other thread with the dodge van/deathtrap build/ waiting to see how that one pans out, thread.

Back to the topic at hand, I wouldnt go pouring money into the motor without upgrading the tranny/T-case/driveshafts/axles. IF your wanting to push 400hp(again, box number) but theoretically(excuse my spelling) Your gonna have to do some mods to the other parts too. Remember, your only as strong as your weakest link.

I added T-case since were talking about 4x4 applications. If your gonna put work into it, might as well put work into a 4wd.

[PwrWagons4ever]

Originally Posted by Dodgen

Well, since you are a mud bogger you can probably appreciate this. Seems this guy has just as much right to be here as you do. Its in a van, and may have even made it farther than you could.


My point is the guy had an axle and tranny question.

OK smart guy...instead of raggin on me, then help the OP out and answer his question. After you've done that, PM Lance and see if he'll change the name to 'Pirate 4X4 and Vans.

Oh yeah...I'm impressed that a van went thru 8" of mud.....you're right tho....my Power Wagon with a locked rear and a locker in the front sittin on 35's wouldn't have a chance in hell goin where that van could go.

[BadNews]

War in the van thread!

So thing are a little different for us, me and my brother who are doing this build live in Norway. In the US, I guess 4x4's are worth some more money then vans, but not here. We are not even allowed to drive off-road here at all

We're not afraid to drop some money and work hours in this project. It will get a full body job in addition to the tech stuff. Current plans look like we're going for the Edelbrock performer power package and a remanufactured, strenghtened 700R4. Ive taken a look and the van currently sits on a 10-bolt axle. So does the whole axle have to go, or can I install tougher driveshafts (floaters?) and a stronger diff in the one I have?

Just for the record, this is our learner project, and we figured its better to start with a van and then proceed to building a K5 with 454 and all the bells and whistles. This requires more experience, no?

[BeefCakeScout]

Originally Posted by PwrWagons4ever

So since when are VANS allowed in a Pirate BB? Even the Newbie? And no you are incorrect....this isn't the first person I've flamed.

Originally Posted by PwrWagons4ever

OK smart guy...instead of raggin on me, then help the OP out and answer his question. After you've done that, PM Lance and see if he'll change the name to 'Pirate 4X4 and Vans.

Oh yeah...I'm impressed that a van went thru 8" of mud.....you're right tho....my Power Wagon with a locked rear and a locker in the front sittin on 35's wouldn't have a chance in hell goin where that van could go.

How about you stay out of the newbie section?
http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=115917 ever read it?

[mental-elf]

im confused, this isnt pirate4x4 and blazers, so am i allowed to post questions about my blazer? oh yeah, my buddy has a problem with his unimog, but he says its a van so he's scared to post....im so confused

[billybob13]

Originally Posted by PwrWagons4ever

OK smart guy...instead of raggin on me, then help the OP out and answer his question. After you've done that, PM Lance and see if he'll change the name to 'Pirate 4X4 and Vans.

Oh yeah...I'm impressed that a van went thru 8" of mud.....you're right tho....my Power Wagon with a locked rear and a locker in the front sittin on 35's wouldn't have a chance in hell goin where that van could go.

you're the dumbest pile of shit i've ever seen in this forum. go be a tough guy somewhere else you faggot.

[GMCTruxrule]

Originally Posted by PwrWagons4ever

my Power Wagon with a locked rear and a locker in the front

Is that like having front and rear lockers?

Or is that different that having a locked rear and a locker in the front?

Noobs these days....

[mental-elf]

Originally Posted by GMCTruxrule

Is that like having front and rear lockers?

Or is that different that having a locked rear and a locker in the front?

Noobs these days....

im guessing the noob has a welded rear and a locked front, but who knows? he is a self rightous know it all, so who gives a fuck?

[GMCTruxrule]

I vote for a band wagon joinee

[sucker]

I don't mean to bash on mudders, but it honestly doesn't take a lot of smarts or effort to put some tires on a truck with a big engine and call it good for "mud."

[BadNews]

Originally Posted by BadNews

We're not afraid to drop some money and work hours in this project. It will get a full body job in addition to the tech stuff. Current plans look like we're going for the Edelbrock performer power package and a remanufactured, strenghtened 700R4. Ive taken a look and the van currently sits on a 10-bolt axle. So does the whole axle have to go, or can I install tougher driveshafts (floaters?) and a stronger diff in the one I have?

Any ideas?