how much difference in axle widths between a K5 blazer and truck axles?

**87S10355** · 12-25-2010, 07:49 PM

i'm currently looking at a dana 44 and a 12 bolt thats in a 73 K5 to swap under my 83 half ton with a 10 bolt front and rear, I was told the axle lengths were different anyone know by how much exactly? someone mentioned that the front are wider on the blazer to offset the tracking, my question is which axle is actually longer and by how much.

**~Super~Midget~** · 12-25-2010, 08:09 PM

i'm not an expert but i thought the d44 and 10 bolt were so close in strength its almost identical and the 12 bolt isn't a big enough jump to bother swapping for the most part.... unless you're trying to do it cause of the gearing or lockers already installed in the new axles i'd just stick with the 10 bolts

**2COR517** · 12-25-2010, 08:26 PM

They should be the same length. Why do you want to swap?

**kirk** · 12-25-2010, 09:08 PM

They're the same.
And yeah, why bother swapping? There's absolutely no difference in the D44 and 10 bolt as far as strength, so it's really a waste of time to swap those. And I'd rather take my chances with a 10 bolt rear than swap in a 12 bolt. You're no better off with a 12 bolt. If you're gonna bother going through the trouble, and spending the money to swap axles, at least swap in something better than you have already. Like a D60 front and FF 14 bolt rear.

**kirk** · 12-25-2010, 09:10 PM

Originally Posted by ~Super~Midget~

...its almost identical and the 12 bolt isn't a big enough jump to bother swapping for the most part....

Actually, there are some parts in the 12 bolt that are smaller and weaker than what's in the 10 bolt. I dunno why GM ever bothered with 12 bolts in trucks, they're just about pointless.

**~Super~Midget~** · 12-25-2010, 09:19 PM

my 12 bolt has held up fine to the punishment i've given it... but i wouldn't go out of my way to swap in another one, once it goes or even before my truck is going to rocks so i won't have to worry about it anymore

**cbeyer29** · 12-26-2010, 12:40 AM

i wouldnt swap to a 12 bolt i'v put 4 in my budy's truck now. after the last one he made the jump th o full floating 14 bolt things a tank.

**64chevy** · 12-26-2010, 01:11 AM

if ANYTHING i would change the rear but thats the whole making sure of the gear ratio blah blah.. isnt really enough jump to change over though

**andrewmp6** · 12-26-2010, 05:19 AM

Its the same size but only way i would swap is to a dana 60 and 14 bolt.

**64chevy** · 12-26-2010, 05:43 AM

Originally Posted by andrewmp6

Its the same size but only way i would swap is to a dana 60 and 14 bolt.

ftw

**87S10355** · 12-26-2010, 09:00 AM

the only reason i'm wanting to swap is because of the fact that the 10 bolts have a 273 or 277 ratio and the 10 bolt rear has a incredible amount of slop in it, the drive shaft has almost a half turn of slop in it. plus the fact that the dana 44 and 12 bolt are free.

**flatblack83** · 12-27-2010, 07:45 AM

If the 44 and 12 bolt are in better shape with lower gears(if your using larger tires)...then its not a bad idea. The 12 bolt will take more of a beating than the 10 for sure, the 10 front axle and 44 are similar in lot of circumstances....the 10 does have a larger pinion bearing but some of the 44s were in 30 spline which make them decent to have. I started out with 2 ten bolts, then to 44 and a 14 then to a 60 and 14, Depending on the tire size and the abuse you will know how far to go.

Also if there free get them and go thru them, rebuild or change whats needed then youll know what you have.