I currently am running 12 bolt and dana 44. I was wondering what kinds of upgrades I can make to the running gear? I was thinking about a 14 bolt semi-floater and what ever comes with that as a front end. I dont want to have to buy new rims and tires. or if there is any type of up grades to my current diffs??

MUDD_RAT: 1978 Chevy K-10 with dana 44 front, 12 bolt rear 350/350/203 running 15/39/15 Mickey Thompson Baja Belted

I think the 14 bolt 9.5 inch ring gear SF would be a very strong rearend. Upgrade your front end with Warn shafts, and you will have a very strong rearend. I would say the 9.5 inch 14 bolt should handle 40 inch tires if used hard, but would use nothing bigger than 35's because of the front end. I think the high strength shafts go a long way towards fixing the only real problems with the front 10 bolt or D44.

Thanks, Ray

The 14 bolt FF is stronger than the 12 bolt. It's a 9.5" rear versus a 8.875" (I think it was). Both are Semi Floaters, but I know Warn makes a kit to convert the 12 bolt to a full floater, so you may want to look into that, see if it makes it as strong or stronger than the 14 bolt SF. The 14 bolt SF's front end was either a IFS or a 10 bolt, so neither would be an upgrade over your 44. Hope this helps some.

1992 Blazer Sport, 350 TBI, Gibson 3" cat back, 4L60, K&N, Rancho 3" lift, 285/75R16's on 16x8 Bajas

<font color=blue>The SF 14 would be a good upgrade since you don't have to change wheels. You can find one from a pre-88 truck and change out the shafts and drums to 6 lug or get a 88-up that already has 6 lugs and re-weld the spring perches and shock mounts. The trucks that came with these rears had 10 bolt fronts (8 lug) or IFS. If you get a 14 sf, keep your 10 bolt front.

If you want the 12 bolt, you can get alloy shafts, big bearings, and a full-case locker like Depdog did, or you can get the Warn full-float kit which is a lot of money ($700). </font color=blue>

I am currently running 39 inch tires on my 12 bolt asnd 44. I figured the 14 bolt would be stronger but wasnt sure what it came with for a front end. also how expensive are the shafts for the 44?? and the 12 bolt??

MUDD_RAT: 1978 Chevy K-10 with dana 44 front, 12 bolt rear 350/350/203 running 15/39/15 Mickey Thompson Baja Belted

<font color=blue>I would get the 9.5" for the rear and a set of Warn or ORD shafts in the front. I've never called and asked but I've heard that they're about 4-500 bucks.</font color=blue>

From: http://www.offroaddesign.com

Chrome Moly Front Axle Shafts
Description: These axle shafts are forged and machined from high strength 4340 chromium-molybdenum alloy ("chrome moly") to create the strongest front axle option available for 1/2 and 3/4T front ends. They don't have the strength reducing taper near the splines like the factory shafts and the stub shafts are the largest possible diameter for the full length.

This extra material and the high strength alloy make these axles much stronger than stock. The u-joint ears are thicker than stock, specially heat treated, and cut for full circle snap rings to help eliminate failures in this area. These heavy duty axles are guaranteed not to break. If you break them, you get a new shaft.

All standard long shafts: $170.00

All standard short shafts: $140.00

All standard stubs: $100.00
Spicer 297 non-greasable ujoint: $23.00
Spicer 297 greasable ujoint: $27.00
Ujoint installation: $20.00 per joint

Standard applications include:
73-78 GM D44s (1/2 and 3/4 ton)
79-up Corporate 10 bolts (1/2 and 3/4 ton) 28 or 30 spline
78-79 Bronco/F150 D44s
71-77 Bronco D44s

There are several other vehicles that run "standard" shafts but are not as popular and we don't keep them in stock. Call for pricing and info.

A full set of axles includes both inner shafts (one long, one short) and both stub shafts for a total of $510. U-joints and installation add to that figure. Shipping is generally about $15.
All front axle sets come with the seal backing plates and 10 full circle snaprings for the u-joints.

Customs: Generally a $50.00 extra charge on a full set.


Brian

anyone know how much alloy shafts for the rear 12 bolt would cost??

MUDD_RAT: 1978 Chevy K-10 with dana 44 front, 12 bolt rear 350/350/203 running 15/39/15 Mickey Thompson Baja Belted

Moser shafts for the 10 and 12 bolt (26,28, or 30 spline) are $225.

Brian

where can i get these shafts?? and are these like the chromoly shafts for the front end where they are guraenteed for ever??

MUDD_RAT: 1978 Chevy K-10 with dana 44 front, 12 bolt rear 350/350/203 running 15/39/15 Mickey Thompson Baja Belted