[Mike C]

The newer trucks 8.6" 10 bolt is probably a little stronger but not exponentially than the 12 bolt. It does have the same pinion shaft diameter of the 12 bolt car. IMO, the c-clip eliminator kit is a worthless addition. They leak and are NHRA legal but not the best choice.

A real upgrade in strength would be the 6 lug 9.5" 14 bolt that was used in the light duty 88 to 98 3/4 ton trucks and in some of the higher GVWR 1/2 ton trucks (extended cab Z71 for example. Not all of them but some.) It's still a c-clip axle, but the 33 spline axles are probably twice as strong as the 12 bolt.

If you really want to be stronger go 8 lug Suburban stuff. (9.5" 14 rear and 8.5" 10 bolt front) That's good for moderate offroad usage with 35" tires easy. No need for a 60/FF14 combo unless you wheel it hard with 37"+ tires But you'd have to buy new wheels with either of those...

Axle is about the only thing I never broke on a 12 bolt FWIW.