i run a 8.5, because i want to keep my GS as stock as possible, if i didnt care about that i would run a 12 bolt just for the added strenght, if i was building a all out race car i might go to a 9"
I run a 9-inch Ford because I need the strongest rear there is to hang onto that BRUTAL torque. It's a little heavy, but I'll sacrifice weight for strength any day. Come to think of it, I'm pretty heavy and I'm ALSO pretty strong! :beer
I think the 9" and the 12 bolt both have there good points,if you were racing and going to different tracks 1/8-1/4 mile or diff elevations then the 9" is the way to go so you can change gears,but if your just tooling around town then the 12 works perfect. Bryan Fant
You ought to split the GM 10-bolt into 8.25" ring gear and corporate 8.5" ring gear types. Difference in strength and parts availability. Then there's that 9.375" ring gear unit under my Rivi. Never hear of those breaking.
For ultimate strength you need to list the Dana 60. The ring gear is 9 1/4" I believe. Other Dana rearends aren't much to talk about. Like the Dana 30 or 35. 44's aren't bad. Dana 80's are way too big (11.5" ring), Dana 70's are the same as 60's but I think have larger axles??
