454 with 10 bolt rear end?

[Dleighton]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone had any insight on how well a 10 bolt rear end would last after a 454 motor swap. I just had it rebuilt last year, 4.56 gears, 35 inch tires. I know it's not an ideal set up, but I am having trouble finding a good deal on a different set up. The motor is a stock rebuild, nothing crazy it came out of an 88 motorhome. Any insight would be appreciated, thanks

 

[Dleighton]

Oh and the transmission is the sm465

 

[78C10BigTen]

@Honky Kong jr

 

[bucket]

If you just cruise around it will likely be fine. If you use the truck for truck stuff, don't ever bet the farm on it holding up.

 

[82sbshortbed]

Yeah I was thinking just that when I swap in the 454 here soon I hope. Would you switch to a 12 bolt? Mines 2wd and tires are only 29" tall.

 

[Frankenchevy]

Just out of curiosity, because I really don’t know any better...

If swapping already, is there a reason not to go straight to 14ff? It seems like they’re a dime a dozen on CL near me.

 

[shiftpro]

Just out of curiosity, because I really don’t know any better...

If swapping already, is there a reason not to go straight to 14ff? It seems like they’re a dime a dozen on CL near me.

Ok I will list all the reasons you do NOT want a 14bolt...
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[Frankenchevy]

I figured, just didn’t know if there was some consideration I was missing.

I’ve never really had to think about it, as my foray into squarebodies has been a d60/14ff k30.

 

[bucket]

Yeah I was thinking just that when I swap in the 454 here soon I hope. Would you switch to a 12 bolt? Mines 2wd and tires are only 29" tall.

A 2wd can get away with a lot more if it's a fun street truck.

For a 4wd that 6-lug wheels are desired, a GMT 6-lug 14sf axle is an option.

 

[Olin]

What do you guys think about a 12 bolt holding up to a 383? Am I just going to be spinning that inside tire everywhere I go? Can it take the torque? I don’t plan on doing smoke shows or any extreme off roading.

 

[Olin]

78 k10 long bed, 3 speed with granny.

 

[rpcraft]

If you are prone to using your throttle like a light switch it probably won't last too long but there has been plenty of 10 bolt axles behind big blocks since forever ago and it should last fine as long as you are not getting the tires glued down and doing clutch drops.

 

[1973c10]

What do you guys think about a 12 bolt holding up to a 383? Am I just going to be spinning that inside tire everywhere I go? Can it take the torque? I don’t plan on doing smoke shows or any extreme off roading.

Just my .02
I have a 12 bolt in my stepside with a built 454 4 speed 3.73 gears with 28in tires
and I have hammered on it and haven't had any problems with it

 

[shiftpro]

Just my .02
I have a 12 bolt in my stepside with a built 454 4 speed 3.73 gears with 28in tires
and I have hammered on it and haven't had any problems with it

I hear ya Don but I just have to say (to everyone else)

..WARNING.. This doesn't mean a 12 bolt behind a bbc can handle getting hammered on forever, by whoever..! ... END OF WARNING..

 

[shiftpro]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone had any insight on how well a 10 bolt rear end would last after a 454 motor swap. I just had it rebuilt last year, 4.56 gears, 35 inch tires. I know it's not an ideal set up, but I am having trouble finding a good deal on a different set up. The motor is a stock rebuild, nothing crazy it came out of an 88 motorhome. Any insight would be appreciated, thanks

Too bad you threw all that $ into a 10 bolt. Oh well, at parts for that are not near as much as say... gears from a D60!
And if you're running BB and 35" tires, you really do need a D60 up front and back or the lovely GM14bolt10.5.

Check and see what the heads are.. Pop a valve cover and look for the casting #... come back here with the last 3 numbers. Late 80's is a really good year for blocks, it will be the 4 bolt main I believe, and clearanced for a 4.25 stroker crank. Heads are probably **** so don't hold your breath. Things get changed
and sometimes for the better.