Built 10 or Dana 60

[Ned Kelly]

I agree with jekbrown. Save weight at the expense of reliability? With a 10bolt you may break on the trail (maybe not - I admit some guys don't and do suprisingly well with the 10bolt, but they are the exception rather than the rule), and have to fix it on the trail, or tow it home. I'll keep things constant here, and say under the same wheeling conditions that broke the 10bolt, you would not break the D60. Worse that can happen is you may get stuck - because your D60 is ALITTLE heavier and ALITTLE less ground clearance that a 10bolt, but not overly significant. Heck, I'd rather get stuck than break something. You get stuck, winch out, or just hook up a tow strap and get pulled out - and your 4x4ing day continues. There's alot of experience on the board, and most guys will agree 36" is the reliable max for 10bolts. You won't regret a D60. What if you want to up your tire or engine in the future (it's a sickness, most of us would if we could), a D60 will handle ALOT more hp/tq and tire than a 10bolt.

I suggest you go to a parts store, and compare a 10bolt and D60 frt axle ujt. It's impressive to see how much more beef the D60 ujt has. The ujt's alone may convince you what is best for you. Compare brake pads while your there also. If you can, go compare axle shafts at your local drivetrain shop too. THis way you make an informed decision based on what you read on this board, and what you see in reality.

 

[jekbrown]

its also worth noting that if you ever have to part out and/or sell your rig... a D60 is actually an investment. If its built, you'll be able to sell it seperately for $1500 or more... how much ya gonna get for a 10 bolt? even a built up one? You rarely get as much out of 4x4 parts as you put into it for resale, but with a D60 you'll come close... they are pretty much the most popular thing in the 4x4 world.

j

 

[79chevyk10]

We are kinda getting off the subject. Hands down the d60 is a better, stronger axle with upgrade potential. There has been testing done with a D44 with chromo's and ctm's that put the breakage near or equal to a stock d60. That is stock d60, now if you upgrade the d60 to chromo's ctm's and 35 spline forget about it. $1200 to $1500 for a d60, then you need to regear, lock-it, steering arms and list goes on. Adds up quick. Bottom line I feel that if all you do is mud and sand and leave it open I don't see a problem with running a 10 bolt on 38's, yeah you may break once in a while but parts are cheap and abundant.
Yes, I agree you will never see tires bigger than 37's on my 1/2 ton chit even with chromo's all the way around, detroits and ctm's. Your asking for trouble because I like the rocks. Bottom line, to far to turn back now.