I want to run 35's possibly 36's on my truck. This truck will see mostly on road with occasional mud/ranch road driving. Mostly I just am gonna be using it to haul my atv/friends atv's to go ride. This truck won't be a rock crawler or heavy duty offroad driver. I hear two different opinions. One that I will be fine with ten bolt axles and the other that I will need a 14 bolt rear. I just invested in a set of rims and tires for the truck and would like to not have to go buy another set.What is your opinion??

so you have a 6lug now?


you can get away with a ten bolt for a while, hell maybe forever if you arent crazy with it, but bigger is better, every time.

Yes sir. Still have the factory set up. I just bought a set of 35/12.50 bfg all terrains on no name deep dish rims that I love which is why I don't want to have to go full 3/4 ton or have too carry two spare tires.

you never said what year your truck was but if you get a hair up your ass you can hunt down a 14bsf from a light 3/4t 88-98. still 6lug, much bigger shafts, not the monster a 14bff is

I wouldn't mind doing the swap/changeover. My only problem is moving the spring pads. I'm not a very skilled welder at and don't know anyone that could do it. I could try a shop but don't really know where to start.

and again, you still havent said what truck you have, if you have a 88-98 it will swap right in.

Sorry bout that. My Fault. It's an 84 Chevy K10.

welp, nows you chance to get a welder......

Isn't an axle better left to a pro or someone who knows what they're doing? I'd hate to buy an axle and weaken the tubes by getting the weld to hot or just not have enough penetration on the weld and the perch break off on the trail/road?

you wont warp a 14bff welding on perches.

you dont need a monster welder either, pre heat and a 110v will take care of it.

It all depends on how you treat your ten bolt. If you spin the tires all the time, it won't last. However, if you drive it like an old man, and stay off the rocks, it will most likely be fine.

Your worried now , so just put your mind to rest and get the 14 bolt sf ,it's a fantastic axle and perfect for your application .

Ditto, if your worried about it that much get the 14 bolt and be done with it man.

My opinion (for whatever its worth)

If you aren't going to be doing anything except DD and occasional hauling ATVs, save the time and just leave the 10 bolt.

But on the other hand, like everyone else said, a 14 semi floater is a good option, or a full floater for that matter, and if you find one from a 3/4 ton truck, it will bolt right in without changing the spring perches....

Why even bother with a 14SF axle? Your 10 bolt will hold up fine until you can find a 14FF. I lunched my old 12 bolt with 33's, so I would recommend upgrading if you get an opportunity. I don't think its life or death that you do it now, so hold out until you find a FF axle.

I forgot about his welding abilities. A SF will suit you just fine for what your doing with it.

Just drive it, if it fails worry about it then.

My opinion (for whatever its worth)

If you aren't going to be doing anything except DD and occasional hauling ATVs, save the time and just leave the 10 bolt.

But on the other hand, like everyone else said, a 14 semi floater is a good option, or a full floater for that matter, and if you find one from a 3/4 ton truck, it will bolt right in without changing the spring perches....

Really, It comes down to how hard you're going to abuse the throttle.

Exactly. I used to be stationed with this guy who drove a 79 Bronco on 44 inch TSLs with the stock Ford 9 and Dana 44. But he never took it off the highway, and as far as I know, his axles lived.

FWIW....

My '86 SWB (lifted 4" w/ 35's, locked front and rear) was previously owned by my buddy from high school...the truck was used as mainly a daily driver, but also spend some duty hauling hay, 4-wheelers, and snowmobiles every winter. He took it down to the river for some occasional rooting.

It lasted him 6 years before I took it over...It's still on 10bolts front and rear, but they won't stay that way for long.

For you intended use, I wouldn't worry much and just run the 10bolts.

But then I know of other people like my idiot friend (and I use that word in the most nice way as possible) has Dana 44s under his Jeep. ARBs, 35 inch Boggers. 380 horse 350 GMPP motor.

To date, one broken inner front axle and u joint and one destroyed rear pinion gear.