I need to replace my 10 bolt in my 68 SS. 12 bolt or Found on road dead 9 inch? The ford is supposed to be stronger and cheeper. I'd like to see other opinions. And does anyone have one for sale for a multileaf car pref. in the Detroit area?

 

I have a 9" under mine. Aside from it's strength, the other nice thing is that the center section detaches from the axle housing. That makes swapping out gears and taking the gear assembly into a shop a lot more convenient. Performance parts for it are also very plentiful.
The 12 bolt is also a very strong unit, but they are more scarce and cost more to buy...if you can find one.

 

The only real reason to think about a 12 bolt is if you are worried about the resale or you want a direct bolt in rear. Since you 68 came with a 12 bolt it could be worth more at resale time depending on the rest of the car. If the car already has major modds then it would not matter. The 9 inch will need modified to fit you car but I am sure you could find one already setup for a Camaro for less then decent 12 bolt.

Have you looked into upgrading your 10 bolt? They can handle a lot of power when they are setup right.

 

These guys both hit the nail on the head. Strenght, cost, ease of change out versus resale value of an original "Chevy" 12 Bolt (we already know the 12 bolt is strong too). I guess it would depend on how much money you are putting into your ride. If your budget will allow just stick with the 12 Bolt. If you are gonna be Dragging it and needing to change out gears every weekend go with the ford 9 inch.

 

i dont know if things are different for the older generations, but the 9" is more expensive for 4th gens. i assumed it would be for anyone. also, the rears have high enough demand across the board that you can get them direct bolt in.

the 12bolt will handle anything a street car will ever throw at it. its really some hard track launches that make them break. the 9" does have the benefit of easier gear swaps as well

 

Thankx guys. I'll prob. go with the 9 in. My ss is a bute brute but not a numbers car. $1800 for a built 9in. and $2500 for a built 12 bolt. Thats the big clintcher for me in this awesome economy[:-] One more question? Does it take more hp's to crank those beefier rear ends. Can you notice a power loss? I have a 454 @ 400 hp's -500 ftlb's what would I need to make my 10 bolt take it on somr 10.5 inch drag radials. I know I need a good posi unit. What spline? ect. I wanna run a 3.73

 

if you are going to take a big drag tire like that just get the new rear. the 12bolt wont show much loss, not true of the 9" or S60.