5.38 in 10b??

[Chevy305]

The carrier break is at 3.73. Ratios numerically higher starting from 3.73 use a different carrier then gearsets 3.55 and down.

This is not true, you use the same carrier in a GM 10bolt from 2.73 and up pretty far. I recently swaped out my 3.08s to a 4.10 without having to change the carrier. I know you can go up to a 4.88 with the same carrier, but I'm not sure about a 5.38.

 

[onetonbb74]

ive had 4 10 bolts over the years and 3 of them were 3.07 and had thin as hell ring gears and huge pinion. The other one was 3.73 and had a thick ring gear and smaller pinion and there is no way i can swap gears on these carriers they are way different. The 3.73 was a 3/4 ton front stock open and the others were 3.07 stock open 1/2 ton fronts. I just bought 4.10 thick gears and it worked in the 3.07 housing. THats why i thought 3.73 was the carrier break. i cant find a part # for 5.38 in a 10 bolt

 

[79k20350]

didnt think they made 5.38's for a 10 bolt. only 5.13's? Honeslty it not just strength in 4wd id be worried about. i wouldnt drive a 10 bolt front end with 44's on the street. thats a hell of alot of stress on the ball joingts, knuckles etc. i know cybersniper has 42's on his 10 bolt but his rig is light, very light. your running a burb. i know your going to do what you want to do but dont say we didnt worn you. Also if they dont make 5.38's for a 10 bolt that means your up a creek and you need to get the rear regeared to 5.13. for the price of regearing the front/ rear you coulda had a 60 alos some 10 bolt 44 parts are interchangable. its just the parts from the knuckles out.

 

[captaininsano]

Parts from the D44 and 10bolt are not interchangeable. Also I am not sure that they make a 5.13 for a 10bolt. If this is for some big tires then whatever size tire needs a 5.13 to way too big for these 1/2 ton axels and will break something the first time you hit the gas. I wouldn't go bigger than 35s on 10bolts. That is what I'm running 35s on 10bolts with a 4.10 ratio.

Blah blah blah. I run 39.5" IROKs on 1/2 ton axles, and wheel it hard, haven't broken anything yet, except a u-joint on my rear dshaft. Welded diff in front, lock rite in the rear.

You can make them live. I get so sick of hearing this crap about you can't do it. Not everyone can afford or needs a Dana60. Nice to have, not necessary. Carry spares and drive smart. If you want to be an idiot and hammer it over every obstacle then get the 1 ton gear. Otherwise wheel what ya got brother!

Hey look a welded 10 bolt at Hollister!

10 bolt at High Lakes on the stair steps...

10 Bolt in the rocks at Frank Raines

I run a healthy 350 / SM465 / NP205 ... WMS Doubler in the works right now.

 

[79k20350]

not to argue but 39's are alot ligther than 44's and your a hell of alot lighter than a burb. can 1/2 ton gear be made to survive a hell of alot of abuse? of course, but it does have its limitations

 

[gmcjimmy88]

My 2 cents. If the ring gears are the same from the dana 44 and the 10 bolt then get the gears you want and keep your eye out for a dana 44. I will say carry spares shafts with you. My front is stock 10 bolt and was on 33's when I went through 3 front axle shafts in less than two months. Granted I have a throttle linkage problem (nothing between idle and floor board need to fix that LOL). I am looking for front and rears now to upgrade so if I get a set soon I will have some extra shafts for you. Also if you do not have them yet go ahead and spend a few bucks on locking hubs for the front. Good luck with it. As someone else said earlier drive what you got and what YOUR WALLET ALLOWS.

 

[Big89Burban]

Like already stated. They do have 5.38's for the 10b. The gears are already ordered and I'm going to lock the rear. Just leave the front open.

BTW my tires are 44's but measure just under 41.5" Not much diff than 39.5 and they are A/T tires and couldnt grip on anything enough to break.

thanks for the advice anyways

 

[79k20350]

why find a 44? its no stronger (and if it is its minimal) like i said youll prolly do what you want, which you are. so be it. just a few last things, most tires measure under, those 39.5's arent 39.5 and it worse when you dont have traction. if the tires are slipping and suddenly grab hold of a surface (like going from a sand turn around onto pavment) its much worse then having traction. this is because of the extreme sudden load put on the drivetrain.