Hi, I was wondering what is the differences between a 10 bolt or a 12bolt. I'm still in the learning stages. Thanks

 

GM made at least two versions of the 10 bolt the 8.5 inch and the 7.5 inch(ring gear) the 8.5 can be a fairly stout piece the 7.5 is not. GM also made 2 versions of the 12 bolt one is a car 12 bolt with a 8.875 ring gear and the other was a truck rear . The 12 bolt is stronger than either of the 10 bolts, and there are those who argue it is stronger than the ford 9 inch in stock form(it uses less power to turn than the ford and is lighter but is not as convienent for gear changes as the ford) I know you didnt ask about the ford but it is a very common performance conversion and can be made to be very strong. I think gm also made an 8.2 10 bolt also but I dont know to much about it.

 

unless you are constantly racing a 8.5" 10 bolt is going to be fine. I know guys that go 10s all day in their 10 bolts, not that I would trust it but they do

12 bolts are getting to be way over priced

 

I think the 8.2s were in the first gen from what I have read they are not a real strong unit. I think where the 10 bolts have gotten bad press is from the 7.5 and 8.2 units.

 

THANK YOU GRIFF AND 1969SS, I GUESS I'LL KEEP THE 10BOLT.

 

you could also buy a stud girdle cover for your 10 bolt to strengthen it up. I did and it definitely helps, plus it looks COOL