front end and rear end questions

[harrdawg54]

how good is the 10 bolt front end......and is a 14 bolt rear better that the stock eaton that came on my 69 K20 custom camper. Thanks for all the help

[Longhorn Man]

the 14 bolt is just as good, if not better.
the real area it shines in, parts avalibility, and gear ratio avalibility.

[special-K]

The 10-bolt gets the job done up to a point.That point is serious wheeling that puts most any axle to the test,and that`s with larger tires.They do just fine for normal use.I never hurt the one in my diesel Suburban with 12.50/35s.Mostly mud on job sites or up eroded muddy logging roads.
The Eaton HO52 is a great rear that I`d leave be as long as it`s working fine,which they have no problem doing when serviced properly,like forever.They are just as strong internally as the 14-bolt full-floater.They are alot lighter and less bulky,too.4.10 is the most highway friendly ratio they came in,which is my gear of choice for my trucks.I run 33"+ tires.A 35" tire on a 4.10 will net you right about 3.73:1.Anything taller,in my book,ain`t a hauler as far as I`m concerned.
It all depends on use and equipment.My`90 Blazer ran 3.08s,12.50/33s,10-bolt/12-bolt and did great.I had a manual 4spd so I could use granny when towing.3.08s is like having full-time o/d in my book.Just a note:I sold it @193,000 with the original clutch and tall gears are tough on a clutch...not that I toed that much with it.But the bigger tired simulate hauling to a degree.Never hurt that 10-bolt either.

[haysonj]

I put the 14 bolt under mine because of parts availability and was told I would have more gear options. wanted to match the 4.09 that was in the Dana 44 front axle. I'm running 35 in tires with a Gear Vendor OD. Good highway cruise with plenty of low end power for towing.

[harrdawg54]

there is nothing wrong with my front (Dana 44) or rear end. I am running 4.10 gears with 33's and the new ones would be the same. I am mostly interested in the front because it has disk brakes and I am in the process of installing hydroboost and would like having disk brakes.

[haysonj]

Originally Posted by harrdawg54

there is nothing wrong with my front (Dana 44) or rear end. I am running 4.10 gears with 33's and the new ones would be the same. I am mostly interested in the front because it has disk brakes and I am in the process of installing hydroboost and would like having disk brakes.

You don't have a problem at all as long as thats the gears you want