Quote:
Originally Posted by DETON8R
A drag race magazine did an article, I think the title was "Ten Second Ten Bolt" and the subject of the article was that a 10 bolt with c-clip eliminators, forged axles, HD Diff cover, quality gears and a good posi-traction / limited slip / spool unit would take care of most cars, even cars that car were going to race exclusively.
After figuring out all the cost elements to upgrade my 10 bolt versus a 12 bolt or 9-inch, I searched for a 12 bolt or 9 inch or dana 60 that I didn't need to do much swapping of parts. I found and used 9-inch because I had the time to be discriminating, and the rear end had most of what I wanted already installed and in good shape (gears, locker and the right width for the car without having to pay a machine shop a bundle to get what I needed). I probably would have kept my 10 bolt, except I was looking at purchase of a new set of gears for the desired ratio, C-clip eliminators, forged axles and rebuilding the Eaton unit, and then I would need to cut off the leaf spring perches, and weld on the 4-link brackets too.
In the end I spent less on the used 9-inch than I would have spent modifying / upgrading my existing 10 bolt. Not a whole lot, but a few hundred bucks. The discriminating factor was the cost of a new set of gears and the labor for the installation of the c-clip eliminators, and matching forged axles. Again, I had time to look for what I wanted in a used unit, and I had the used 3rd member checked out so that I didn't need to buy a whole bunch of new parts and then pay the labor to install them. I was lucky, time was on my side, and I was able to get what I needed and save a few bucks.
If you are lucky your existing 3rd member has most of what you need already installed. If not, look in the used market and maybe you can find a 9-inch, 12 bolt or dana 60 with everything you need and you only need to tear it down have it checked out and a few things repalced and you are good to go with a swap that will accommodate any changes to you engine package in the future.
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Thanks. I'd definitely go used with the 9in if I went that route. I'm cheap like that and really don't see a problem with good used parts. The biggest concern I have right now is if there's a problem with my ten bolt that's going to require a lot of expense. If I can determine that it's good, then I only have a little bit more to do to make it complete.