Which rearend.options? built 454

[dmartin1]

well, i picked up a pretty rowdy 454 .030 over a bit back and am in process of getting it buttoned up.it was out of a sunken v drive boat( for about 1 hour) taken apart and all cleaned up. in the 550hp/tq neighborhood.(will have a question thread on this, engine related as well)

anywho, my truck is an '82 stepside 5 lug. 10 bolt. factory rearend. truck has a straight 6 factory.

is this thing even gonna hold up to this engine at all? im not gonna be hard launching,simply a rowdy toy to fly around in and get on every here and there.

what are my best options as far as rearends go? i definately dont have 1000+ for a company built performance rearend. cheaper the better, but i know quality dont come cheap.

wheels are uni-5 lug.i plan on posi/locker.

am i gonna need the ford 9"? 12 bolt? 10 bolt?

[tinydb84]

As long as you dont get traction you might be fine. A nice 12 bolt should be okay.

[Captainfab]

I agree. The 8.5 10 bolt will live for a while if you don't run sticky tires. An easy and affordable upgrade would be the '73-'82 12 bolt. Drop in a posi or locker, slide in some upgrade axles, and you'll be good for a bit of abuse.

[dmartin1]

does my '82 10 bolt have the same width as that 12 bolt your talking about?

i am running 295/50/15 on a 10" or 11" wide wheel.they grab,but not a ton.they are bfg radial ta's

would i be better fixing the rearend i got('82 10 bolt) and cruise it and save for a decent 12 bolt build?

[Captainfab]

Yes. All '71-'87 C10/K10 differentials are the same width, regardless whether it is a 10 bolt or 12 bolt. I wouldn't be afraid to run the current 10 bolt until you can put together a good 12 bolt.

[GMR-PERFORMANCE]

I agree that you can get by with the 12 bolt however I would warn against spend much money on the 12 bolt it will add up fast and in the end a 9 inch is going to be a much stronger item.. Moser sells 100% bolt in units.. I bought the 35 spline wave loc yada yada unit.. It is flawless and I never have to worry about hooking it up hard just go have fun.. I priced out the 12 bolt but when you do it right you have already bought the 9 inch good luck

[prostreetC-10]

Dana 60 and be done with it.

[dmartin1]

HMM, well i think im going to slap this 8.5 back together and save for a descent 9 inch on craigslist or ebay, if i can find one.ill just have to try and keep my foot out of it. maybee.

thanks for the opinions guys and gals.

** if anyones still readin, any links or leads on where i can get the axle bearings for this 8.5 10 bolt at? ive been looking but cant find them.idk what im doing wrong.

[Captainfab]

You should be able to get the axle bearings and any other parts for your 8.5 10 bolt at most local auto parts suppliers.

[ripdog28]

I have a custom housing built by Currie and love it but do not believe it is necessary for a street vehicle. IMO, Call up a reputable company, Currie, Mosier, ect and talk to them about things you could do to make the 10bolt work, rear brace, axles, ect.... That would save you a bunch. They may say a 10 bolt can not handle the power.

[Jon01]

Originally Posted by prostreetC-10

Dana 60 and be done with it.

This is the best answer yet.

D60 is right up there with a 9" and I thought they came under some 3/4 tons?
If so you're just a set of custom axles away from a very tough rearend.
No need for big $ custom fabbed stuff.