The 9.5" 14-bolt is much stronger than the 10-bolt, and the 10.5" 14-bolt is even stronger yet. But I'd done some research on here and elsewhere & everyone/everything indicated that the Escalade would be a direct bolt-in replacement for our 10-bolt "5-link" rear suspension.
This is good to hear...I expect that the new 14-bolt will last for awhile...it is my transmission that I'm concerned for now. Even though it is an FLT level 4, I didn't opt for the billet input/output shafts and would not be surprised if the trans goes next. If so, I'll save my lunch money and go for a built 4L80 swap.

 

um.....4l60's suck........the 502 killed it the first time I hit it from a 30 mph roll and it downshifted....and that was with everything under the sun 5 years ago....which was when I bit the bullet and put the 4L80 in there...

 

Lol! Got any pics or video of that?

Typhoons are known to pull the front wheels with excessive front suspension travel and rear squat with thier short wheelbase. I recommend some front end travel limiters. You won't be able to pull the front wheel then.

 

I'll add this one in there. CHarris has a Hummer H2 which is like a Tahoe, except heavier and he has ran mid 13's with it. Last I knew his goal was 12's.

 

12's ??? Let's get some 11's! Think Positive people!!!! If I can Get 12's you Smaller folk can get 11's! Lol.

 

How much torque do you suppose a 502 with a 200-shot makes? If I had ever thought I was going to go this far I certainly would have opted for the 4L80 instead of a built 4L60.
After experiencing what it has taken to get this far, I don't have much confidence that I'm going to get there...but "I'm giving it everything she's got, captain!"

 

I Have been thinking the same thing, with your 14 bolt installed geared too 3.42's the 4l80 should be back in the lower 2k @ cruise I would think.

The 4l80's Quick first gear,and tighter 4th has been keeping me @ bay, so let me know how that 3.42 gear pans out.

Now with the added PDB coming the tranny/axle are living on prayers.

 

I'm still rolling the 4L60, and if memory serves, it was 1800 @ 70 with the oem 3.42 10-bolt and the 285/50R20 (31.2") tires...now running 275/45R20 (29.7") but should make too much difference though. I also have a set of 4.10 gears for the new rearend that I will put in next year (or earlier if the 14-bolt Gov-Loc takes a dump)...since it not a DD I have no issue with doing that.

And "PDB"?

 

That bitch is badass.

 

LOL... i just want my 8100 lbs out of the 18's.... think i am now with some new plugs, intake, and exhaust... now if i can get a gd fuel pump to last longer than 1500 miles i might be able to slap on the whipple, cam, springs and retainers....

lol... bet mine towes better