Kyle Pettitt

So I'm currently in the process of ls swapping my 98 c1500 I have the 6.0 already on my way to pickup a 4l80e tomorrow,the one thing I'm on the fence about is the rearend in my pickup, is it worth building up a 10 bolt with an Auburn or Eaton trutrac diff with a ratio change and possibly some axles and such (I work at an older rearend shop) so parts isnt an issue but I'm wondering if it's worth the money or go with a 12-14 bolt rearend as my boss says the 10s arent very strong (mind you hes from an older generation of big blocks and 12 bolt rearends) any input on this would be greatly appreciated as the motor I'm hoping for around 500-550 horse

383z

iTrader: (2)

What are you going to be doing with it?
Racing? Yes, replace it.
​​​Just ccruising? It will be fine.
If you beat on it it will go.

Kyle Pettitt

I plan on cruising but also beating the snot out of it

NewEnglandFormula

I would spend a few bucks and beef up the 10 bolt. For 500 hp it will live if properly set up. Which 10 bolt is it, 8.5"?

Kjduvall

Since it's a 98, they made a (heavy half ton) that year. A couple friends over mine have one. It's basically a 14 bolt semi float, with the 6lug pattern. I'd search some yards and try to find one. Freshen it up with parts of your picking and it'd be good to go. That's just my .2¢ wourth.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

Many of the folks on this site are late model F-body guys who are only familiar with the smaller 7.5" 10-bolt. I have to imagine that a full-sized truck of that era must've come with some modern version of the 8.5", as mentioned above, if it's indeed a 10-bolt.

The 8.5" 10-bolt is in a whole different class than the 7.5" version, it's nearly as strong as the 8.875" - therefore not much advantage to a 12-bolt upgrade in this case. 8.5" can take a ton of power when properly setup, but my experience with them has only been in cars (X-body, A/G-body and much older F-bodies). The extra weight of your truck would be the most considerable difference, so you'll really want to seek advice from the truck crowd IMO.

Kjduvall

Just for fun do some searching on performance trucks.net the 14 bolt semi float swap has been done many,many times. Prolly already has 4.11 in it.

Kyle Pettitt

that's where I'm stuck since my truck isnt a 4x4 or anything and I dont plan on loading it or pulling anything heavy if anything at all

Kyle Pettitt

that's what I'm somewhat leaning towards I already looked into it I just have to find a 2wd 3/4 or 1 ton truck so it's a straight over swap that is where it gets tricky

biketopia

iTrader: (5)

Why does your donor need to be from only a 2wd truck? Are they only ones that came with that HD half ton rear?

Kyle Pettitt

if I go with a 4x4 rearend its wider so iv been told and read on the gmt forums

Kjduvall

Pretty Shure the 95 to 98 (2500 light duty) or aka haevy half rear of that year was the same. Not a 6 lug converted full floater, cause that would be 3in or so wider. You need to look at a factory 14 bolt semi float 6lug ove your year. Also the only difference I can think of between 2wd/4wd on the swap would be driveshaft length....