how much difference is there?

[blazeonchevy]

i have a 76 blazer and it has a 12b and a d44 and i was wondering what kind of difference in strength are the 10bolts compared to a 12b? when did they start putting 10b's in the trucks? what are some of the pro's and cons of each axle? will one hold up to more abuse than the other? ah thats all. thanks -sam-

 

[Muddytazz]

don't go with the 10bolt

 

[blazeonchevy]

i wasnt planning on it but i just wanted to see what the difference was. because we do have an extra 10b around and could be good in an emergency yeanno?

 

[thatK30guy]

when did they start putting 10b's in the trucks?

The fronts started around 77 with 78 having more of them than 77. The Chevy line started them this early and pretty much started phasing out the D44 front axle by 79. Pretty much all 80 years of Chevys ran 10 bolts.
The GMC line ran the D44's up to 82 on front axles. Some ran the 10 bolts but most ran D44's as they were phasing them out thru the GMC line.

Rear 10 bolts started in 83. Yep, 81 and 82 trucks ran the 12 bolts.