Rear End trouble,

[Mike76251]

Hi all,
I may be looking to change out the rear end on my '84..............I took a right turn today under moderate acceleration and heard a loud scraping noise coming from the rear end.
It only happened once but I would be willing to bet a outer axle bearing spun.
The truck just feels "off" too.......or maybe 'loose" is a better word.
This poor 10 bolt (8.5") has been through alot of stuff in it's time and the only reason I think it has held together is because I've used nothing but Mobil 1 in it.
Yes...........there is a question in here somewhere!

What would you do? Try to rebuild the little 10 bolt or step-up to a 12 bolt.
I really want to use my factory wheels and can weld on spring perches if I need to.
I hate the 2.73 rear end gear in there now and would also to lose the "peg-leg".............maybe a air-powered locker or the like.
What would you do?

[gchemist]

Replace the 10 bolt with a 12 bolt and step up in gearing. Lose the peg leg with a Lock-Rite locker from www.powertrax.com

[Mike76251]

Thanks gchemist!
I, for one, don't want full-time locking because I drive on ice from time to time but would like something I can turn on and off.
I have seen too many times where my truck would have been in the ditch if both wheels pulled. If I lived where you do I would buy a Powertrax in a second.........they have the best design by far. (In spite of the claim that they use Zytanium in the construction of their units=never heard of it)
Keep the ideas and opinions coming.....

[kevhill85]

i use a min spool and 3.42 gear now . in a 12 bolt