Why don't you not mess with the front, and swap in a VHO 9.5 14 bolt and keep 6 lug?

 

The 9.5 wouldn't last long behind the Duramax.

 

And the 8.25 won't last long in front of it either...

 

It is actually a hybrid rear end and not as strong as the regular 14 bolt 9.5. Even then, you would still be at the mercy of a C clip style axle. With the torque that a D max can make it would eventually tear that rear end up.

A floater axle offers versatility along with added strength. If the axle shaft breaks on a floater, The vehicle can still be moved on all 4 wheels. So if your hauling a heavy trailer you can un-hook it and pull the vehicle forward. The axle is bolted to the drive hub. You just pull it out and replace it. Would also be a good Idea to open the housing and clean it out prior to replacing the gear oil.

If a c-clip axle breaks, you need to support the broken side with jack to pull it out from under a trailer. Then you need to hope it didn't tear up the housing or rip the brakes off the end of the housing. A C-clip is held in with a C clip and depending on were the axle snaps, (Usually at the outer bearing end...) it can damage the housing on the way out along with ripping the brakes off the end as the axle comes out and the wheel pulls away.

Hope that shines a little light on the subject.

 

I remember reading somewhere that there is a dodge 8 lug hub that bolts to GM spindles. Don't quote me on this, I just remeber seeing that somewhere.

 

How about under it?

 

If the Aussie's can stuff a Duramax/Allison into a Nissan Patrol, I think a Silverado 1500 should be no problem. Looks like they use the rest of the stock drivetrain too FWIW.

Nissan Patrol Duramax - Duramax Diesels Forum

Pretty clean install too. And I like that he off-roads it AND drag races it!

 

haha wow.....

 

DAMN IT!! This truck sold FOR my max bid today...someone else just happened to get theirs in before my broker got my bid in. 6 more coming up soon, crossing fingers!

 

Sweet!