WTB: 3.73 or 4.10 5-lug 10 bolt rear axle

[foamypirate]

Like the title says, I'm trying to scrounge up a 3.73 or 4.10, 5 lug, rear 10 bolt axle for my 84'. This 305/700R4/3.08 combo just isn't cutting it.

I've searched craigslist, and it seems pretty dry, it's all either 6-lug 10 bolts (though I suppose I could swap axles) or front axles. The parts yards have some, but they all want 300+ for em'. I guess I could always pull one at the yard, those are only $150 or so, but I figured I'd try and help someone out that is maybe trying to get rid of an axle or something first.

Let me know if you guys have anything and are somewhat close.

 

[RetroC10Sport]

You're not going to find 4.10 in a 10 bolt unless it is aftermarket gears. 3.73s were the highest ratio available stock. And 3.73s are pretty rare except in high altitude and 6 cylinders, more common in Suburbans though.

 

[foamypirate]

You're not going to find 4.10 in a 10 bolt unless it is aftermarket gears. 3.73s were the highest ratio available stock. And 3.73s are pretty rare except in high altitude and 6 cylinders, more common in Suburbans though.

Yeah, I noticed a good number of Burbs coming up when I did the search on Car-part.com for 3.73s.

Good to know on the 4.10s too, thanks Retro!

 

[RetroC10Sport]

Hell, we can yank one out in a couple hours if you want.

 

[foamypirate]

Shoot, sounds good to me. I'd be happy with a 12-bolt, too. I think I need a conversion u-joint for that though, right? In any case, I just want something besides 3.08s!

 

[bucket]

You don't have to get a 5-lug axle. You can easily use a 6-lug, just swap in your shafts and drums. You will have the cover off to drain the fluid and inspect anyway. Just stay away from '88 and later axles if you're going to swap shafts, they changed the spline count then.

 

[Driver4r]

You're not going to find 4.10 in a 10 bolt unless it is aftermarket gears. 3.73s were the highest ratio available stock. And 3.73s are pretty rare except in high altitude and 6 cylinders, more common in Suburbans though.

Our 86 C10 has a 305ci and 3:73's. And nebraska is rolling hills/flat, no altitude here.

 

[RetroC10Sport]

Our 86 C10 has a 305ci and 3:73's. And nebraska is rolling hills/flat, no altitude here.

Yeah, 305s could have the 3.73s, but they sure aren't common.

 

[8T6K5]

Yeah, 305s could have the 3.73s, but they sure aren't common.

My K5 was stock with a 305 and 3:73 10's....

 

[RetroC10Sport]

4x4s are way more common. 4x2s are a bit more elusive.

 

[kleedus]

i have probally 5 6 lug 3:73 10 bolts and 1 4:10 10 bolt 6 lug and 3 5 lug 10 bolts not sure on the ratio

and a stack of 12 bolts 5 and 6 lug 3:73 and 4:10

even a 2:73 12 bolt 6 lug weird

 

[RetroC10Sport]

We used to have a 4x4 with 2.56s and 36" tires...Yeah, that's why the trans was going out until my brother wrecked it.

 

[foamypirate]

i have probally 5 6 lug 3:73 10 bolts and 1 4:10 10 bolt 6 lug and 3 5 lug 10 bolts not sure on the ratio

and a stack of 12 bolts 5 and 6 lug 3:73 and 4:10

even a 2:73 12 bolt 6 lug weird

Dang, too bad I didn't think of this earlier. I went through Wyoming in October with a trailer, would've been a perfect time to pick one of those up!

On the other hand, I am kind of toying with having my current axle regeared locally so I can get new seals and know the axle is in good shape.

 

[foamypirate]

Sounds like right about $1,000 to have my current axle re-geared with 3.73s and all new bearings/seals/etc, if I pull the axle out of the truck. $1200 or so with the axle in the truck.

It's pricey, but I definitely feel better about having a freshly rebuilt axle that I KNOW is done right and not something that's going to potentially fail next week because it's worn out.

I think I need to get into the business to afford all the things I want to do to this truck...and this one isn't even being restored!

 

[HotRodPC]

Honestly, I see your point here about being new. But if an axle hasn't gone past the point of bad bearings to where it wore the gears, you can take a 200,000 mile rear end that wasn't neglected or abused the gears still be good, put new bearings and seals in it, and its as good as a new rear end again. 10 bolts usually go cheap $100 or so with 2.73 and 3.08's. $125-$150 with a more sought after ratio like 3.42 or 3.73. Find one for $150 that is in good working shape, rebuild kit about $150 and someone that knows what they're doing, carry the axle to them offer $200 for labor for a good set up and you're done for half the cost. Or, do it yourself. You can get the cheap dial indicator at HF that is good enough to do a few axles. Not like you need the high end gauges if you're not using them often.