I have a 78 K5 (as my name implies) :) and i've been kicking my a** for the last hour trying to figure out what my from diff is. I has the bolt pattern of a d44 but no markings on the axle like most spicer units. Could it be a spicer axle with no markings or am I stuck with a B/S 10 bolt. HHHHEEELLLPPPP!!!

It's probably a Dana 44, although a Dana 44 isn't at all stronger than a 10 bolt so it doesn't matter.

In fact some D44s are weaker than 10 bolts if they have 260x joints, smaller wheel bearings, and external hubs.

I don't know what crap you read about 10 bolts but 10 bolts and Dana 44s are equally worthless.

I just hear that 44's are a little stronger and easier to convert to cross over.
Should i be looking for a D60?

If you don't even know how to tell a 10 bolt from a Dana 44, you're not ready for a '60 yet. You will not need a '60 until you're locked in both ends and have tires 37" or larger.

Until then, run what you have until it breaks and keep it in good repair.

Don't listen to that shit. If you even know how to annunciate the words Dana 60, can find one and afford one, BUY IT! Save yourself a lot of hassle. Really your 10bolt or 44 will get ya down the road, but don't polish a turd.

Buy the 60, but go and read here 1st http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/60_front/index.html

Simple search function would have got this for ya. Now run along now and move this thread to nOObie tech.

Im no 10 bolt guru, but I know 44's, 10 bolts have some funky tabs under the center section for marking rocks with. and the flat top knuckles from a d44 are interchageable with a 10bolt, along with outers and other parts, so you could still hi-steer a 10 bolt if you want. the d44 usually has a 44 stamped in the corner of the centersection, I have ran 38"swampers with a locker in the rocks and broke seven shafts until I started running solid u-joints, since then I havent broken one. but obviously if you have a 60 sit'n around use it.. :p

From what I have seen most 10 bolts have a large fin or webbing on the passanger side of the diff. It is to contact this secondary bump stop mounted on a secondary bracket behind your pass side shock. If the structural webbing on your diff is all about the same length from the housing you have a 44. If the one on the pass side is big enough to use as a shelf it is a 10 bolt.

Just my $.02