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Best rear axle swap

Ahhh thank you.
I'm in a similar situation (street driving) occasional trail off roading nothing extreme.
While researching (learning), looking for a 12 bolt, I'm seeing more advisement towards a 14 bolt.
Is there an issue with a 12 bolt that I should be aware of?
The current 10 bolt is said to have 5.56 gears.
I'm going to stick with that gear ratio (35 inch tires on a 4 inch lift)
 
I’m assuming that the “5.56” gear ratio is a typo and should be 4.56 ?

Any axle can live a long life if treated properly but the issue is that the 10/12 bolts leave little room to spare beyond basic grandmother style driving and/or modifications.

Driving style has a lot to do with it - someone who knows how to use finesse off road instead of powering their way through or driving gentle under loaded conditions has a much greater chance of drivetrain longevity.
It’s all about how ya’ treat your equipment but it’s comforting to know ya’ gotta little girth of parts in reserve instead of the absolute minimum to get by with.
 
FatBoyM said:
Is there an issue with a 12 bolt that I should be aware of?
The current 10 bolt is said to have 5.56 gears.
Click to expand...
Other than the fact it's half a century old? Some parts/spares will be harder to find. While the 12-bolt has a slightly larger ring gear, the smaller pinion makes the 10 and 12-bolt roughly equivalent in terms of strength.

There is also a new 12-bolt axle that's really nice. It's basically the 9.5" 14-bolt, with a different cover pattern. Comes with parking brakes and 6-lug, but you'd have to give it spring perches.
 
tarussell said:
I’m assuming that the “5.56” gear ratio is a typo and should be 4.56 ?

Any axle can live a long life if treated properly but the issue is that the 10/12 bolts leave little room to spare beyond basic grandmother style driving and/or modifications.

Driving style has a lot to do with it - someone who knows how to use finesse off road instead of powering their way through or driving gentle under loaded conditions has a much greater chance of drivetrain longevity.
It’s all about how ya’ treat your equipment but it’s comforting to know ya’ gotta little girth of parts in reserve instead of the absolute minimum to get by with.
Click to expand...
I prefer "grandfather" type driving.
I agree on the style of driving, I'm wiser now
Looking for stability.
 
Stability and reliability - think of drivetrain components like a quantity of fuel going through the desert. Do ya’ want just enough to get ya’ there if you drive really easy with no unforeseen problems or do you want to be safe with a little more capacity to ensure you’ll get there with room to spare.

Just something to ponder when selecting parts and spending money, time and effort.
 
I did it so I can keep my rallies. I upgraded to a 12b/auburn and lost a pinion bearing during a road trip. I put a junk 10b in it to get home and while I gathered parts for my 14bsf. It's really more like a 10b on steroids, and it's adequate for my needs.
 
K5Jimmy said:
I did it so I can keep my rallies. I upgraded to a 12b/auburn and lost a pinion bearing during a road trip. I put a junk 10b in it to get home and while I gathered parts for my 14bsf. It's really more like a 10b on steroids, and it's adequate for my needs.
Click to expand...
A 9.5” 14B S/F is very adequate and should have come stock in all 1/2-Ton 4x4’s - good call !
 
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