hello folks, i was just wondering the average strenght of a gm 10 bolt. It is not going to be used on a full size truck, it is for a lightwieght buggy, and it will only be a stock 4.3 or 305 that will be powering the unit. How big of a tire would i be safe running. the bigger the better!!??

The reason i want to use a 10 bolt is that they are plentyful and i can get my hands on a set or two. I wouldn't think that i would have any trouble running a 33 of 35 .

if you have access to extras for parts go for it. 33-35 should be fine to run..........:beer:

You say a set, so I guess you are talking both front & rear. Make sure you get 30 spline shafts for the rear.

Sounds like a good set up to me. If its light weight and doesnt make tons of power you should be fine. Hell I wouldnt think twice about putting 38's on them.

The only bad thing I know of the 30 spline 10 bolts is the carrier is a weak spot... but if you go with say arb for example and replace the carrier, then you get a stronger 10 bolt. :)

Originally posted by ChevyCaGal
The only bad thing I know of the 30 spline 10 bolts is the carrier is a weak spot... but if you go with say arb for example and replace the carrier, then you get a stronger 10 bolt. :)

Been there, done that. All that does is leave you with the weaker ring and pinion.

The reason i want to use a 10 bolt is that they are plentyful and i can get my hands on a set or two. I wouldn't think that i would have any trouble running a 33 of 35 .

Have you been to the Colorado K5 site, every other thing for sale is a 14bolt or parts for one. Or go to any junkyard, your're going to find more 14's than 10's.:rolleyes:

Jim this is true but if it is in a light rig the ground clearance might be the deciding factor. That 10 bolt sits what about 2.5"- 3" higher than a 14? thats alot of clearance.

Hey Jim did you ever use that 44?

Originally posted by spoolnaround
Hey Jim did you ever use that 44?

Between work and sleep and moving, I haven't had a whole bunch of time for anything. I've been just starting to tear it down and I think I might actually rebuild it, throw it under the Blazer and part out the 10 bolt.

Well what i plan on doing is taking a stock blazer, stock 350 engine and i will be chucking the body, tweaking the frame, and then building a light wight tube body. it is not a rock buggy, more mud than anything. but I doubt i will go over a tire size of 33. (limiting funds) for now at least. my buddy seems to think that i will be blowing my 10 bolt repeadtly. but i would reather have the clearence.

Man i ran 32's on samurai axles and never had a problem.

So i should be safe right?

If not a 14bolt, then at least a 12bolt or Ford 9", the 9" is a pretty common junkyard rear end as well, stronger and higher clearance than both 12 and 10 bolt.

Originally posted by cowmooflage


Between work and sleep and moving, I haven't had a whole bunch of time for anything. I've been just starting to tear it down and I think I might actually rebuild it, throw it under the Blazer and part out the 10 bolt.

Jim,
I might be able to use that 10 bolt myself.

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Greg, if you plan to run mud I think I would opt for a 60 or 14 myself.

I'm on my 3rd 10 bolt. The 1st one was bought brand new from Boyce Military. Not rebuilt, new and it lasted me about a year with 33's. The 2nd was from a junkyard on the way home while I was limping the 1st broken one home. Changed in the parking lot. It lasted 8 months with 33's. The one under there now has missing spyder gear teeth and the cross shaft bolt is wearing out. Go with ANYTHING else. If I had it all to do again I would have never bought Alcoa 6 lug rims and would have dumped this crap long ago. Just my .02$

Originally posted by spoolnaround


Jim,
I might be able to use that 10 bolt myself.

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Greg, if you plan to run mud I think I would opt for a 60 or 14 myself.

Talk to Dave, He'll have his out alot sooner than I'll have mine out.