Strength wise the 12 bolt and the 9 inch are about the same stock verses stock the 12 bolt might even be a little stronger. The 12 bolt will userob less power and is lighteralso. The odd thing about the 9 inch is they are offset. The advantage of the 9 inch is the gear change out it is alot easier and yes they can be made real strong. If I didnt have either and was planning on dumping money in one I would opt for the 9 inch.If you really want stock strength look into the MOPARs. I didnt add it up but I would bet the corperate gm 10 bolt would be the cheapest option they are the strongest gm 10 bolt and with some good parts would have no problem with 400 hp..

 

granted the 12 bolt or a built 10 bolt will be an easier swap and will rob less power than a 9 inch, but you gotta remember, any component is only as strong as its weakest link. you could have the strongest gears, axles, spool, diff and all, but if you dont eliminate those c clips theres a good chance of doing major damage to your car. this is just my personal opinion of course. but i have seen quite a few c clip axles walk out of the car on the strip, not a pretty sight.

 

At 400 hp either of the three would work I would be overly concerned about the c clips at that level gm vehicals have logged billions of miles with them and c clip eliminators are not for the street. I have a friend who runs a corp 10 bolt behind a 468 big block no problems for about 3 years now and he doesnt cut it any slack. As I said before if I was going to dunp alot of money in a rear end I would go with the 9 inch but for a low buck alternative I dont see anything wrong with the 10 inch corp rear at that power level. ">

 

all a matter of preference and budget though right? why beef up everything yet leave a weak link? doesnt make much sense to me, granted you may get lucky and not have a problem with the c clips, but then again, if you do have a problem, it'll cost you a lot more than eliminating the problem from the start

 

well i was after any kind of bolt in deal(Hence GM parts) and low price, I could care less what brand the axle is for prides sake. But that was before i knew so many aftermarket bolt in rear axles existed. I am just looking to spend under 1000$ for something that will take built up 350 or 383 power and torque with drag radials, and mid 12s at the lowest till i can invest some more cash into it for a roll cage, etc so i can race it without getting kicked out. Im more concerned with building the toughest i can afford car and motor then letting the numbers fall where they may.