12 bolt question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

HEISEL · 07-21-2012, 11:02 PM

First thing first im kind of a nube. Ive been looking around the site for the week link in on a 12 bolt. Ive got one under my 1972 k10 swb 4x4 and from what I've read it seems like the 12 bolt week link is the c clip. So this might be a nube question but y dose know one ever put a c clip elimanater on them? I'm only running 33s now and maybe 35s one day. I didn't do a lot of resurch when I got this truck and I ran out and got some nice 6 lug mt classic 2s. So I'm NOT going to go to a 14 bolt for a long time because I've spent to much money. Oops! I will eventually but not now. I do off road the truck but not hard core stuff. I realize the the 12 bolt is not the best axel but it can't be trash. So my questions are.....
1. Why dose know one use a c clip elimanater? I've found them for $150-$250
2. Is there anything else wrong with them. (for my application)
3. Should I just get a 14 bolt sf? Are they expensive?
Sorry for my bad choice but I'm stuck with it for now. Thanks for any help.

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*mrdana60* · 07-22-2012, 09:24 AM

Find you a 14 bolt from a 88 up Chevy 2500 they are six lug so you can keep your wheels. I had a 90 model Chevy 2500 with one and sold it. What gears you running?

69GWC · 07-22-2012, 10:46 AM

I don't think its so much the C clips its the fact the axle can break when abused, so the C clip elimantor kit will keep the axle in place but won't solve the problem that it might break.
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HEISEL · 07-22-2012, 12:18 PM

3:73. Ok thanks for the info. So I should upgrade to the sf. If I get one I need one out of a 4x4 right? There 3" wider right? Thanks for the info.
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*mrdana60* · 07-22-2012, 01:57 PM

Yeah it will be a four wheel drive. Prob can find one with 373 already in it. They are good axles.

76k10 · 07-22-2012, 05:44 PM

I think opinions vary on the 12 bolt. From what I've researched, the stock open carriers are a weak link. 12 bolts are not bad axles. Very durable in drag racing applications. People lay down some 1.5 and less 60' times with these things.

I am going to put a Eaton Posi and disc brakes on mine eventually and see how it does.

I've ran the hell out of it in stock form, and only problem is leaking axle seals.

69GWC · 07-22-2012, 05:57 PM

Yeah I stuck a Detroit locker in mine I feel12 bolts are plenty strong for most people or should I say street trucks and lite offroadering that most do.
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07-21-2012, 11:02 PM	#1
HEISEL Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Blue springs, mo Posts: 56	12 bolt question First thing first im kind of a nube. Ive been looking around the site for the week link in on a 12 bolt. Ive got one under my 1972 k10 swb 4x4 and from what I've read it seems like the 12 bolt week link is the c clip. So this might be a nube question but y dose know one ever put a c clip elimanater on them? I'm only running 33s now and maybe 35s one day. I didn't do a lot of resurch when I got this truck and I ran out and got some nice 6 lug mt classic 2s. So I'm NOT going to go to a 14 bolt for a long time because I've spent to much money. Oops! I will eventually but not now. I do off road the truck but not hard core stuff. I realize the the 12 bolt is not the best axel but it can't be trash. So my questions are..... 1. Why dose know one use a c clip elimanater? I've found them for $150-$250 2. Is there anything else wrong with them. (for my application) 3. Should I just get a 14 bolt sf? Are they expensive? Sorry for my bad choice but I'm stuck with it for now. Thanks for any help. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1972 k/10 4x4 swb 2011 camaro SS/RS M6

07-22-2012, 09:24 AM	#2
mrdana60 Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: centre al Posts: 2,472	Re: 12 bolt question Find you a 14 bolt from a 88 up Chevy 2500 they are six lug so you can keep your wheels. I had a 90 model Chevy 2500 with one and sold it. What gears you running?

07-22-2012, 10:46 AM	#3
69GWC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,089	Re: 12 bolt question I don't think its so much the C clips its the fact the axle can break when abused, so the C clip elimantor kit will keep the axle in place but won't solve the problem that it might break. Posted via Mobile Device

07-22-2012, 12:18 PM	#4
HEISEL Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Blue springs, mo Posts: 56	Re: 12 bolt question 3:73. Ok thanks for the info. So I should upgrade to the sf. If I get one I need one out of a 4x4 right? There 3" wider right? Thanks for the info. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1972 k/10 4x4 swb 2011 camaro SS/RS M6

07-22-2012, 01:57 PM	#5
mrdana60 Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: centre al Posts: 2,472	Re: 12 bolt question Yeah it will be a four wheel drive. Prob can find one with 373 already in it. They are good axles.

07-22-2012, 05:44 PM	#6
76k10 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Posts: 131	Re: 12 bolt question I think opinions vary on the 12 bolt. From what I've researched, the stock open carriers are a weak link. 12 bolts are not bad axles. Very durable in drag racing applications. People lay down some 1.5 and less 60' times with these things. I am going to put a Eaton Posi and disc brakes on mine eventually and see how it does. I've ran the hell out of it in stock form, and only problem is leaking axle seals.

07-22-2012, 05:57 PM	#7
69GWC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,089	Re: 12 bolt question Yeah I stuck a Detroit locker in mine I feel12 bolts are plenty strong for most people or should I say street trucks and lite offroadering that most do. Posted via Mobile Device



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