Fabrimacator21
1/2 ton status
I was just looking at the pumpkin and noticed the front has a different "structure then the rear. Looks to be beefier and has a few more "ridges". Are the front 10B's different or do I have something else up front?
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.
Front 10B's different then rear 10B's?
- Thread starter Fabrimacator21
- Start date
andyblack
Registered Loser
I think the front 10 bolts are considered to be a little stronger than the rears. The rings and pinions are probably the same. It's easy to identify the GM 10 bolt axle by counting the number of bolts holding the cover to the housing. However, the axle is supposedly named for the 10 bolts that secure the ring gear to the carrier, I think.
The axles are named for the number of bolts on the cover:
10 bolts have 10 bolts on the cover and 10 ring gear bolts (7/16")
12 bolts have 12 cover bolts and 12 ring gear bolts (3/8")
14 bolts have 14 cover bolts but only 12 ring gear bolts (9/16" for the full floater, 12 mm for the SF)
ring and pinions and the carriers are interchangable as well.
the best way Ive found to describe to identify the 10 bolt is by the ears on the bottom of the housing. Ive found a few local people that tried to tell me they had dana 44s up front. the dana 44s have 10 cover bolts as well but the bottom of the housing is smooth and rounded where as the 10 bolt has two ears that look like corners.
the best way Ive found to describe to identify the 10 bolt is by the ears on the bottom of the housing. Ive found a few local people that tried to tell me they had dana 44s up front. the dana 44s have 10 cover bolts as well but the bottom of the housing is smooth and rounded where as the 10 bolt has two ears that look like corners.
andyblack
Registered Loser
That makes sense. I've never dealt with the 14 bolt yet. Thanks for clearing that up.
In regards to the original question, I would think the front housing would have to be different due to being offset and having a leaf spring sitting on top of one side of it. Those factors and the weight of an engine directly above it I would think the housing should be a little beefier then a rear. 
andyblack
Registered Loser
So the front 10 bolt is a full-floating axle?
Front axles are by nature. The spindle that the wheel bearings ride on support the weight of the vehicle, not the shafts.
andyblack
Registered Loser
Okay, I wasn't thinking of that. I guess technically they are then.
RaysJimmy
1/2 ton status
Rear GM10-Bolts have a few different versions. Spider gears changed from 28 to 30 spline and then 99 and newer 8.6". Ring and pinions would be same from 78ish front to 1991 and rear from like 81-98
Stomis
Professional Amateur
Lol technically no axle is named for an amount of bolts anywhere. Its all slang. Real technical guys all go buy ring size. So that would be a 8.5in Corp
andyblack
Registered Loser
You just had to go there.
