As most of you already know I broke the rearend in my 1980 k5 blazer. I am on a budget and want to get my truck running asap. I found an old 12 bolt out of a 1980 blazer with the stock 3.08's. The other is a 10 bolt out of a 1994 full size blazer with 4.56's The guy has only been running the gears for about 1 month. since the guy with the 10 bolt wants about 50 bucks more i think I might go with him even though it is just a 10 bolt. let me know what yall think.

mods.
6 Inch lift.
Mild cam
Edelbrock Intake
Edelbrock 600cfm Carb
Headers
35 inch super swampers
15x12 Weld Rims
MSD

 

What size tires are u running? Also, what gear ratio is your front diff (4wd?)

 

Yes 4x4. Tires are 35's I might move up to 40's soon though. The front dif is 3.08 but was think of also puting some 4.56's

 

If 40's are in your future you should look for a 14 bolt ff, neither a 10 or 12 bolt will survive with 40's unless its street driven all the time and easily. A 12 bolt would be OK on 35's. You'll probably just end up breaking another 10 bolt though. Unless it sees mostly street duty and you're an easy wheeler find yourself a 14 bolt ff (they're everywhere) and save money in the long run.

 

Were are you located??? Even though the 10 bolt is $50 more you are going to have to buy Gears for the 12 bolt esspecially with that large of a tire... end the end it will probally fail too. A 14 bolt SF would be a better choice.

 

El Paso, TX

 

Ya... I wouldnt mess with the 12 bolt, I think they are more expensive when it comes to finding parts. Try to get yourself a 14 SF like 1FastBrick stated

 

The problem is If i do I'll have to buy new rims because those are 8 lug right.

 

How hard do you use this off road? Because if you stay with 35's the 10 bolt CAN survive if you're easy on it. If its a street driven rig only the 10 bolt will be fine.

If you want to upgrade to 40's a 14 bolt FF will be needed unless you like tearing into your axle a lot to fix it.

If you go with a 14 bolt get a FF (full float) instead of SF (semi-float) that way you can replace axle shafts without taking your wheels off.

 

I do take it out in the sand sometimes, but nothing too crazy. I might climb some steep sand hills but thats about it.