10 bolt / 14 bolt.... how to tell?

[amm888]

i'm sure this is a simple question for most of you guys - how do you tell what kind of axle you have (10 bolt...etc)?

and, if you've got a moment, what does it mean/matter?

thanks,
alex

 

[amm888]

ok, i just counted 12 bolts on that big box in the middle of my rear axle (tranny? - sorry, don't know the lingo so well). now i'm assuming that's it, i've got a 12 bolt rear (and 10 bolt front)...?

 

[tRustyK5]

Well the axles under your truck are one of the most important parts...and strength of these axles is the number one concern.

Here is an article on how to identify what you have. You'll notice that the diagrams and pictures show the center section. The center section of the axles is how we all identify them.

http://coloradok5.com/axleguide.shtml

Stock axles are generally good and reliable up to a 35" tire or so. Anything larger will generally cause them to fail when you're wheeling them. As the axles get larger in exterior appearance the interanls like axle shafts, ring gears, pinion gears etc also get larger and stronger.

That's a pretty basic intro to axles, hope it helps you out.

rene

 

[amm888]

thanks /forums/images/icons/grin.gif

 

[tRustyK5]

No problem.../forums/images/icons/smile.gif

Rene

 

[amm888]

so it looks like i've got a dana 44 front and a GM 12 bolt rear...is this something to be happy or sad about?

 

[UseYourBlinker]

Good..it could be worse...10 bolts front and rear /forums/images/icons/mad.gif /forums/images/icons/laugh.gif

 

[Sandman]

Not to bad at all. I ran that combo for years.