[nxtruck]

You can make a 12-bolt live, IMO. I run a truck 12-bolt in mine and have done so for the past 15 years. In that time, the only failure I've had was a broken ring and pinion. I run a set of 4.88s, Moser 30-spline axles, a Moser spool, studded main caps, and an LPW cover. I really need to weld the axle tubes, but as of yet, haven't done so. This setup is behind a 600 or so hp 434 ( minus n2o ) and with a vehicle weight of 3950 lbs. Now, my truck is not at the track every weekend or even every other weekend. But, it does see a lot of street action and has spent it's share of time at the track over the years.
Again, these are just my results and others may not have had as good of luck with a 12-bolt. But I wouldn't hesitate to use one again.