Front end swap fr:GM 10 - 12 bolt

[PhredzK512]

Im being advised in order to have a Eaton Tru-Trac installed into my '87 K5(10 Bolt GM Corporate) that it would be better to have the beefier 12 bolt swapped in. What are the pros & cons...I have some pretty rugged country I have to navigate on some steep slopes n when comes to mud, snow & deep ruts I want to make sure I have both front wheels
pulling & spinning. Seeking further advice...

 

[Stomis]

Simple question with a simple answer. Theres no such thing as a 12 bolt front end so just stick to the 10bolt.

PS: Id run far away from whoever told you that if they're a shop. They clearly have no idea what theyre talking about.

 

[sweetk30]

Simple question with a simple answer. Theres no such thing as a 12 bolt front end so just stick to the 10bolt.

PS: Id run far away from whoever told you that if they're a shop. They clearly have no idea what theyre talking about.

x2 this person hasn't got a clue on real life truck stuff.

 

[1BEATK5]

Wow. Just wow.

 

[chulisohombre]

I'm hoping this is a friend playing a joke on you. The upgrade would be a Dana 60 front and a 14 BFF to match. It depends on what size tire you are going to be running if you need to go that far or not. Your ten bolt will handle up to a 35 inch tire without major breakage unless you do some crazy rocks. Or high spinning speed slippery climbs will also snap the 1/2 ton stuff. A true trac will fair pretty well in a front end ten bolt. A full locker like a Detroit will break stuff much easier.

 

[PhredzK512]

Thank you Chulisohombre for some simple clarity... what you've posted helps alot.

 

[shady]

even a clutch type LS will work well in mud and snow with <35" tires. People dog them in rocks and dry stuff because they slip easier there. Mud and snow it will be full power to both and give a little more protection to your 1/2 ton gear than the true trac. even the true trac will grab hard enough to break things under decent abuse.

 

[paratrooper307]

Strike one--Telling you a 12 bolt front exists. Strike two--asserting that there is a significant strength difference between a 10 and 12 bolt. Don't wait for strike three. Amazing how some people stay in business these days...

 

[COCHEV]

How funny! every few years around here the infamous 12 bolt front end thing comes up...

OP, spend some time doing some searchin around here. Amazing amount of info on here. We'll get ya squared away