Before i say anything YES guys i did use the search button first lol. I have an 85 Sr5 with SBv8 and 79 axles. My plans for the truck are DD/mud machine. the tire size i plan on runnin is 36-40inch tires. I've been leanin towards chevy 70's-80's runnin gear as they are a dime a dozen. So any ideas and input would help me greatly.

 

and yes i want full width axles. as this means way more mud flyin around. Chicks dig it

 

wider axles = less mud in the fender wells to clean up

 

lol good point never thought about that. pressure washer and primer black body usually makes cleanin easy

 

Any help will be nice

 

Go search Pirate4x4....

But dont post, and dont metion you actually like mud...

 

i was hopin i didnt have to go over there.

 

Not really sure what you're asking, but...

Using 70-80's Chevy running gear..

For the Rear

10-bolt: Not an upgrade.
12-bolt: Not much of an upgrade. Should have c-clip eliminators and c-clip-less custom axles, which cost a fortune.
14-bolt: Big and heavy. 8-lug wheels.

For the front:

10-bolt: Not an upgrade.
Dana 44: Good, but should have the shafts upgraded. Some models (73-76 Blazer, for example) have stronger thicker tubes (3" vs. the normal 2.75"). Choice of 6 lug or 8 lug.

So, my recommendation:

Dana 44 front, 73-76 Blazer. Find one with 3" O.D. tubes, flat-top knuckles on both sides, and 6x5.5 bolt pattern. Will be spring-over and passenger side diff.

Ford 9" rear, Early 80's F-150 or Full Size Bronco. Some had 31 spline shafts and limited slip diffs from the factory. Find one. Pull a shaft and visually confirm that it's a 31 spline. Have the axle flanges redrilled to 6x5.5".


... which is basically what I'm doing right now. I don't want full width, so I found a 9" from a '76 Early Bronco that is original Toyota width and I'm narrowing the Dana 44. Custom length Moser alloy axles will fit the new width and eliminate the weak link.

 

thank you so much RevNL that completly answered my question. :thumbsup:

 

Why? too much great information from the innovators themselves....

Oh and please dont use a dana44 over a toy 8".