BADMOFO

I went through this debate with my Olds. I chose a "bolt-in" 9" set up from Moser, which came with the housing (ready to bolt into my set-up with spring perches and control arm mounts already attached), 33 spline chromoly axles, and bearings. I also had the big ford ends on it. I had a 12 bolt, but by the time I would have narrowed it ($200) bought axles ($350) and then bought a C-clip eliminator kit ($175) it was just as cheap to start with the ford 9". That set up was around $750. I then added a Strange nodular iron carrier for $300, a set of Richmond gears for $150, an Auburn Pro series posi unit for $350, and an aluminum carrier bearing support for $100. The thing is, the bigger factory rears require more power to turn, have bigger (way bigger) brakes which results in MUCH more rotating weight..sprung weight. I still think a 9" ford is the way to go. I would think you could get everything for around $2000 to $2500, especially if you shop around. Try www.racingjunk.com, as they have a bunch of used parts on there which might help. I know you are making plenty of power, but why not keep as much as possible without wasted loss from the drivetrain? I don't think the factory rears in any way, shape, or form, could match the 9" Ford. If they could, they would be in everything. Just my .02. Spend the little extra, and get the right ****.

Spoolin

iTrader: (8)

Doing a bit of research, I found this thread to be helpful but it hasn't solved any of my problems...
I'm trying to overbuild my rear-end so it will last, it's gonna see +/-650rwhp and eventually close to 1000rwhp. Guy I have working on it wants to stick a 2500HD in there which I will put me at an 8-lug. I'm not a big fan of the 8-lug for "wheel" purposes. What rear-end is out there that I can use that can handle 4 digit hp, not weigh 550lbs or swallow alot of HP?

btw...Parish, what did you end up doing? Seems like you got it figured out to be able to run 10.06 without breaking the rear-end.

nightrunner

iTrader: (4)

remember parish is 4x4 and his front axle helped him ALOT to keep from breaking the rear. he had aftermarket gears and an aftermarket locker/lsd and i think thats all

you will need a 14-bolt or a ford 9" to handle the power

you are 2wd right

Spoolin

iTrader: (8)

Yup I'm only 2wd. I'm surprised that's all he ran with even with his power being split like that though.

From the other thread...
Well from reading up I think 10.5 and 11.5 will eat up too much hp and be too heavy, although they would be bulletproof. I'll have to talk to my guy about the ford 9", I didn't know you could order them with 6-lug. I'd rather stay with the 6-lug. What about the Dana-60 rearends?

nightrunner

iTrader: (4)

when i said the ohly heavy duty one i can think of is the 9" i meant with 5-lug

yep, think about what rear end is in the SSS or the VHO, 14-bolt 9.5" SF rear end

i havent heard of a truck converting to a dana 60 rear axle, not saying it cant be done, ive just never heard of it, and according to a few threads on tech, the f-body guys dont care for it on the most part

a 9.5" 14bolt will be nearly bulletproof with right parts

1slow01Z71

iTrader: (36)

I picked up a 14 bolt SF 9.5" out of a 93 van that Im going to throw in the truck, very stout when properly built. If you got the cash a 9" would be the ticket and they will make it a bolt in solution but you will be in to it for about 2400. Ill be in to my 14 bolt for about 1400 with aftermarket alloy axles, detroit locker, t/a girdle and new bearings, Im reusing the factory GM 4.10s that it came with since they are in good condition. I think it will be more then capable of handling what I can throw at it with 700ish hp and 35/37" tires.

Spoolin

iTrader: (8)

Thanks guys, I'm gonna look into the 9.5" 14 bolt and the Ford 9". I'm having trouble fitting disk brakes in the rear with the current wheels I have so I if I can't make'em fit and have to buy new wheels I might just go with the 5-lug just to be different and have a rim selection alittle different than everyone.

Mr. Sandog

Nope, he has/had genuine OEM AAM 10-bolt 3.73 gears out of an Avalanche. Axe me how I know.

Spoolin

iTrader: (8)

Running a stock avalanche rear-end on his set-up? What's his power split on his 4x4, 50-50? Just thinking back on some of his vids where he's dyno'ing in 2wd and he's putting over 1000rwhp, how can that rear-end handle that?

nightrunner

iTrader: (4)

i couldnt remember if he had aftermarket gears or not but aftermarket gears arent stronger anyways.

a launch will hurt a rear end more than anything