Why not split the deal and do a 12bolt rear and a 44 in front? Gives you added strength over the 10bolts, they are still plentiful, easy to slap in and parts are cheaper than some of the larger pieces likes seals and bearings on a 14bolt. Just my .02 worth

 

I have seen a lot of conversation regarding the strength of a 10blt vs. 12bolt, and D44's vs. 10bolts. If you look at the actual specs of the axle and the semi-floating design of the rear ends you're going to gain a little strength, not too much.

 

agreed

 

im a fan of the 10 bolts. im running the same set since about 2001. they survived a k5 with 38s, then a suburban with 38s then another k5 with 38s now they have been living the easy life on a s10 with 33s for the past 4 years. spider gears are getting knicked up and showing wear in other places but they are still holding, when one breaks i wont be afraid to put another 10 bolt right in their place

the only added benefit of going to a 12bolt is i believe you can get a tad bit of higher gears in it (or is it lower gears) were as 10bolts max out at 4.88 you can fit like a 5.13 or something in it also dana 44s have those heavy duty caliper dust shields

 

Hey everyone. It's currently 9:37pm and I am just about ready to light the truck on fire and call it quits lmao. But I'm rebuilding the 10 bolt 8.5" GM axle. Moneys a bit tight so I decided just to rebuild it while I build up for a 14 bolt full float. I am currently checking for backlash and I would like to check y'alls opinions on this. I put the paint down and rotated the gears, this is what I came up with... Does it look okay to ya'll? Is it too close? Too far?

 

man you can pick up a 14bff for dirt cheap. got mine for 20 bucks.

 

i sold a dana 70 for 10 bucks a few years back, its about the same a 14bolt. only problem is scrap value its hard to get these cheap anymore when people always say "i can scrap it for $50"

 

you just gotta find somebody who just wants it gone and not looking to do any work to get rid of it lol.