Author Topic: what axle should i use  (Read 5375 times)

Offline gman6762

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what axle should i use
« on: September 16, 2012, 10:46:49 pm »
this is a 1979 Chevy stepside with a 350 trans and 400 small block bored 30 over its making mad hp but it breaking axle and i need to no witch one i need to use it has a 6 lug that sucks.(I'm also running 40 inch tires)

Offline Blazin

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Re: what axle should i use
« Reply #1 on: September 16, 2012, 11:32:22 pm »
FF 14 bolt, and a Dana 60.
Some people are like Slinkies. Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs

Offline Sartobuilt

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Re: what axle should i use
« Reply #2 on: September 17, 2012, 10:17:57 am »
X2 on what Blazin said, I've suggested that to alot of people over the years. But that is a large expense, axles, wheels, tires and drive shafts. You can upgrade what you have but it will be a band-aid.
What do you have now a 10 or 12 bolt. Upgrading to a 12 bolt will help some, and and still be 6 lug.
There is a 14 bolt 9.5 used in heavy half trucks that is a 6 lug. What kind of locker are you using, if it's a mechanical locker that adds alot of shock to the axles. If you used a Eaton clutch style posi that will take some shock out of the drivetrain.
Also too throttle control can add alot of life to an axle. What are you doing when you break axles. I had a customer years age that had a 1/2 ton 10 bolt 35" tires. I repaired the axle for him many times. We counted how many times he blew it up it was like 10 times. He liked to test his posi by pulling off the road with one tire in the dirt and one on the road and do burnouts. He thought it was cool. He finally grew up and I installed a 12 bolt and never had another problem. Looking back now with all the money spent he could have a nice set of 2.5ton military axles.

Offline gman6762

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Re: what axle should i use
« Reply #3 on: September 18, 2012, 09:29:54 pm »
thanks blazin and yea its a 10 bolt with hardened
 axles..

Offline gman6762

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Re: what axle should i use
« Reply #4 on: September 18, 2012, 09:31:41 pm »
i was in a deep mud hole and its just popped and their mechanical lockers

Offline ehjorten

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Re: what axle should i use
« Reply #5 on: September 19, 2012, 09:51:05 am »
A 10-bolt with 40" tires is just never going to survive that kind of abuse!
-Erik-
1991 V3500 - Gen V TBI 454, 4L80E, NP205, 14 bolt FF, D60, 8" Lift on 35s
1977 K20 Silverado - 350, THM350, NP203, 14 bolt FF, D44, Stock Lift on 31s
1969 Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe - EFI350, THM350
1968 Chevrolet Step-side Pickup - 300HP L6

Offline bluecrew

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Re: what axle should i use
« Reply #6 on: September 19, 2012, 08:34:26 pm »
40's with power?  One ton that rig and you'll never look back again.  Like stated earlier, 14 FF, and a Dana 60 front.  Not many folks have broken a 14 FF...  I hear the rear Dana 60's are supposed to be just as strong, but I know guys who've busted several rear 60's, but are on their first 14FF, still...  just saying...

Offline gman6762

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Re: what axle should i use
« Reply #7 on: September 30, 2012, 07:46:18 pm »
yea thats what im thinking of going to that for the post everyone.