[littlejackass]

Wondering if anyone can tell me if I can machine out the centre section of my 12 bolt truck rear end to take the larger pinion of a 12 bolt car pinion? which will allow me to run 12 car R&P in place of the truck R&P. I've herd that the weak point of the truck 12 bolt is the smaller pinion bearing and was thinking that doing this would make my rear end stronger. This diff is currently matched up with a Dana 44 in the front of my S-10. I have someone that will do the work for next to nothing just want to make sure it will work first.

 

[BowtieRed]

that is one weak point of a 12b. the main one is the spider gears though. I'd say your best bet is to find a good deal on a stonger rear end- then sell the one you got.

 

[littlejackass]

what would you recommend for a rearend then?

 

[SCOTTS_4X]

14bolt, cheap and bulletproof

-Scott

 

[littlejackass]

but the 14 bolt doesn't have the variety of gears that I am looking for, plus they are heavy bastards and have no clearance!

 

[B.C. 05]

dana 60

Find you either a used dana 60 and build it up or order a custom dana 60 to your specs from a wide variety of aftermarket companies. That is if you have unlimited amounts of funds to throw at your project for the later

Eric

 

[K5thing]

Or if you know someone that can build a Dana 70 for your rear, then you have both strength and low gears and disc brakes.

 

[SCOTTS_4X]

dana 70 is a low slung bastard too. I'm going the dana 60 route. I already have it under my truck. now all I have to do is find some dana 70 axleshaftx and side gears, then I'll bore my spindles out and run the 70 gear. then I'll have1.5/35spline gear in case with a lot better clearance.

-Scott

 

[Jeff_Super_S]

The pinion is known to be the weak part of them but I've worked in a 4wd shop as well as had/have a few 12 bolts and have never seen one break a pinion. I did gernade the side and spider gears in one that had a posi in it, but it also had 40" tire attached to it and a fat old K5 on top of it. I bought one that had a worn out pinion bearing once too, but other than that I'm very happy with them. In a s-10 I really don't think it will be a issue. They are too light in the rear. I have one in my S-15 with a loc-right in it. I have abused the hell out of it and never had a problem yet. The only other upgrade I'm planning is some disk brakes on it for two reasons. 1) drums suck, and 2) so if I ever break an axle the rotor and caliper will keep it from walking out when I drive her home or back to the trailer. The c-clips are a definate drawback.

 

[1tonyota]

go with a Ford 10.xx FF...strong, better ground clearance, cheaper lockers, tough as hell

 

[pyros46290]

or another dana 44 for the rear if u wanna go that way

 

[CJ-Jeeper]

I put a Chevelle 12 bolt in my old S10. Sounds like you're going wider, but maybe you can find one from a big car.