Quote:
Originally Posted by INSIDIOUS '86
You can go to any pull apart and just swap in a ten bolt 8.5 the pinion shaft is stronger than the truck twelve.
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Stock for stock, the truck 12 has beefier axles and a larger ring gear than the 8.5 inch 10 bolt that came in these year trucks.
Yes, it is true that the 8.5 10 bolt has a larger pinion shaft than the truck 12 bolt. However, the Ford 9 inch has a pinion shaft even smaller than the truck 12 bolt.
It's really a draw as to which design is better, but either one is a decent choice stock and both can be made very strong with aftermarket parts.
Also, if you swap to a 10 bolt, you will need a have the rear U joint changed on the driveshaft to a conversion joint. Something to keep in mind when adding up costs.