how to make a stronger 12 bolt?

[stan79chevy]

is there any way to make a 12 bolt rear stronger?
i like my 6 bolt rims and the ground clearance. a 14 bolt is what i hear is the best but i would have to buy rims and loose all my clearance. plus lockers for a 12 bolt are cheaper than a 14.

also i have a chance to get a dana 60 rear out of a 70 something ford 250 would this be a better than my 12 bolt?

[palallin]

If you just have to mess with, the locker will help strngthen it, and a Summers Bros. Full floater conversion kit (+ an axle truss, if you want to really go all out) will make it almost as bullet proof a it gets. If you start with certain car units, the axle shafts and the Pinion shaft will be bigger (IIRC).

Of course, by the time you do all that, the 14 bolt and a shave job would be a lot easier and possibly even cheaper, even with the new wheels and tires.

[leadfoot067]

go for the 14 bolt...a detroit is only 325 buks.....and you can get stout adapters to go to 6 lug....shaving it only takes a couple hours...

[stan79chevy]

i dont have a 14 bolt lying around. i do have a dana 60 out of an old ford that i could use or would it just be worht buying a locker for the 12 bolt...im cheap and looking for the strongest for the cheapest

[stan79chevy]

we rebuilt my motor this summer and now im afraid of blowing the spider gears out of the 12 bolt.
everything in the engine is new except the block and the oil pan

[palallin]

You're going to have to have a VERY stout motor and very BAD conditions before you do that . . . More likely to grenade the U-joints, I'd think.

If it were me, I'd drive it till I *had* to fix it.

YMMV.

[stan79chevy]

i plan on running it until its dead. ive allready killed some u joints. i was wondering if there was a way to upgrade a 12 bolt that was cheaper than replacing the whole axle.
i can try to trade the dana 60 for a 14 bolt

[1969 GMC]

the dana 60 is a good axle. isn't quite as big as the 14 bolt, but it will do just fine for you. parts availability probably rivals that of the 14 bolt. might want to check on spring pad width since it is from a Ford, that might be different on your application. it looks like you will be stuck with 8 bolts unless you can find an adapter of some sort for 6 lugs.

[stan79chevy]

i guess 8 bolts is the only way to go if i want to be able to abuse the truck. i allready have the hubs for the front anyway so that'll save some cash. from some of the other posts ive looked at the dana 60 is a good axle around same prices as 14 bolt for gears and lockers and all i have to di is move the spring perches

thanks for all your help

[72beast]

I have two options for you...
this is #1
diff cover and axle truss


this is #2
14ff 8 lug to 6 lug ring

[Bill W]

Originally posted by 72beast
I have two options for you...
this is #1
diff cover and axle truss


this is #2
14ff 8 lug to 6 lug ring

You didn't mention option #3. Chevy makes a semi-floating 14 bolt with six lugs. They come on the 88-9? 1/2 ton and some 3/4 ton 4x4's. On know on my 91 suburban and 78 pickup that is what I'll upgrade to when my stock axle breaks. The spring pads and brake lines will bolt right up. Not sure about the 72 and older if the bolt up is direct.

Bill

[Richard]

Another option is the Dynatrack 60. Full float 6 lug. If I remember right about $2000/$2500 with discs.

[stan79chevy]

72beast i can make a truss and cover and with a locker in it that should be pretty strong but i'll probably go with the dana 60 rear. i want to change gear ratios also and the dana allready has 410. it shouldnt cost me anything to swap it into my truck other than u joints and some new gear oil.

[72beast]

Stan, let me know if you need eather of those parts (8to6lug ring or diff cover and truss) as I'm selling them...

[stan79chevy]

thanks but i havent broken it yet. the truck isnt a daily driver its a street legal toy. i have a wife and 2 kids so i cant put alot of extra money into my toys. i think i'll end up putting in the dana 60 and selling the rims to get some 8 lug wagon wheels and a locker. will 15" wheels fit over the drums on a dana 60 rear?

[Mike C]

Unless you are just going to banzai the crap out of it, I think Bill W is on the right track. The semi-floater 14 bolt with 9.5" ring gear is really stout compared to the 12 bolt. ALso lets you keep your existing wheels. Just remember that gear ratio must remain the same front and rear, so you need to find an axle with the same ratio as your current front, or the front will have to be changed to match. That can add big bucks to the project price. Another option is buying a rust bucket 3/4 ton 4x4 (should be easy in MI) and swapping front and rear axles into your truck.