![]() |
![]() |
#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Sand Lake, MI
Posts: 45
|
10 Bolt v. 12 Bolt
I'm sure this topic has been covered a million times, but my poor searching techniques haven't been able to find an answer to my question.
I have a 1971, C10 with leaf springs and a 10 bolt rear end. The engine is a 350, slightly warmed. It currently has a TH400, but I'm debating changing it to a 700R4. With that in mind, is there any reason (aside from the fact that a 12 bolt is much more durable) that I should change the rear end if the one I have is good? Some people have said that the 10 bolt is too weak for my motor. Can that be true? That's what came from the factory. If I do change it, what can be used as a donor? Thanks!
__________________
Chad '71 Chevy SWB |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Terrell, TX
Posts: 1,967
|
Re: 10 Bolt v. 12 Bolt
I had a 10 bolt behind a 350 hp SS El Camino....it held fine for years. I doubt you'd have any trouble with it but you might have it checked anyway just in case. Personally I see no reason to change it if the gears are good.
__________________
Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,693
|
Re: 10 Bolt v. 12 Bolt
I'm wondering who went through the trouble of putting a weak axle in your truck.
They never came with 10 bolt rears |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
fugedaboutit
![]() Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Gresham, OR
Posts: 832
|
Re: 10 Bolt v. 12 Bolt
Theres a few different 10 bolts.. some would hold up fine like the 8.5 and 8.2, but if you have the 7.2 or 7.5 ring gear Id be a little leary.
Heres a link to help you http://www.maliburacing.com/rearend_guide.html
__________________
Currently truckless ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Central PA
Posts: 12,201
|
Re: 10 Bolt v. 12 Bolt
do you have a pic of the axle?
__________________
The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer" |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Sand Lake, MI
Posts: 45
|
Re: 10 Bolt v. 12 Bolt
Here's a photo of the rear end.
__________________
Chad '71 Chevy SWB |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Central PA
Posts: 12,201
|
Re: 10 Bolt v. 12 Bolt
yep, basic chevy 10-bolt. Don't know the ring size though.
I say run it till it breaks... why fix what's working. If you decide that you don't like the gearing then keep your eye out for a 12 bolt posi unit...may pay $300-400 for a decent one. I sold an open 12 bolt for $50 cause I was tired of hauling it around.
__________________
The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer" Last edited by msgross; 08-24-2008 at 04:59 PM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Austin, TX, USA
Posts: 7,721
|
Re: 10 Bolt v. 12 Bolt
Looks like an 8.5. See the ears below the cover? Ring gear diameter is close enough to the 12 bolt to not make a difference. The pinion diameter is larger than the 12 truck (same as 12 car) The ring gear bolts are reverse threaded and larger in diameter than the 12 bolts, so that's a push. Only short coming is 28 spline axles if the rear is pre 88. Later model 8.5's are every bit equal to a 12 bolt truck.
__________________
44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|