I was thinking about ordering the gear package from thunderracing with the girdle and stud kit and all that but I got to thinking that the actual problem if something was to snap would be the ring and pinion right? So shouldn't I just save myself hundreds of dollars and replace the ring and pinion??? It seems like a very basic question with a simple answer..for a simple reasons...but I never really thought about it to hard.

thanks for your replies!

 

Well the main drawbacks to the 10bolt are as follows (in no particular order):
Posi unit strength
axle strengh
Pinion shaft diameter gets dangerously small with numerically higher gear ratios

So in essence, replacing the ring/pinion and posi would do nothing besides delaying the inevitable with hard launches on stickies (especially with a hard hitting stall, manual, and even more so with spray). I would just save my money to get that 9"/ 8.8" rear end with 35 spline axles and the works.

 

whats wrong with a 12 bolt? Why would you want a ford rear end in a chevy? I know the 9 inch is strong, but its relly overkill. A 12 bolt is plenty strong AND more efficient.

 

A 12 bolt is not enough to handle severe abuse at the track. Look at all the ones breaking. A 9" is much stronger and has much stronger axles available, posi units, pro gears etc. The 8.8 is also very strong, a relatively new option that kicks the **** out of a 12 bolt. The 12 bolt, while better than the stocker, is a waste of money considering the stronger 9" is the same price. Drawbacks include ABS compatability, Traction control loss, etc.

 

i would go the 9 inch ford, they are much stronger and alot better to rebuild, plus you can swith third members for quick gear changes for the strip.