first build got 2 parts trucks

[ontariobluenoser]

Hi guys first time here hope you can give some imput on which parts to use
I first got an 80 k10 no motor (was 350) np205 with sm465 trans
d44 frt 12 bolt rear kept frame diffs and frt end sheet metal
second 84 k10 blown 305 700r4 trans and np203 d44 and 10 bolt rear
I have an old 350 stock car motor to use with the 700r4 and np205
Question is whick diffs to use???
The plan is for a mild mud and trail truck 8"springs and 3" body lift
with 38.5 boggers? if poss.
Any imput will be appreciated.

[duallyjams]

The front you can get away with the d44 but you need to upgrade the rear to a 3/4 14b.

[Altec]

You'll break that 44 without trying. I'd look for a Dana 60 front, and like Jams said, a 14-Bolt Full Floater for the rear. Then you can pretty much forget about them.

If you must use them though, the 10-Bolt, and 12-Bolt are pretty close in strength. Some might argue that the 12-Bolt is slightly stronger. So it is pretty much down to what has the gears you want, and if you gotta buy gears, what can you get cheaper? That is the way I'd look at it.

[ontariobluenoser]

What if I down size to 35's and 6" springs with lockers. Might have a better chance to keep the 44 together????

[Altec]

With the 350, and a brain in your foot, sure. Your biggest enemies will be turning on dry ground with your lockers engaged, and wheel hop. Getting your tire bound up right can also, but I've seen people break rockwells like that, so in all fairness, I'll skip that... Just remember your lockers, and don't be silly.

But if you are putting the kind of money needed for lockers in it, are you sure you don't want to try and get a 14/60 combo for it? Plus, with those newer 44's you won't be able to do a crossover without changing the knuckles to a pre-'77 knuckle. Not that you need a crossover, but if you decide to do one that is one more thing to track down, and buy.

[Mike C]

Interesting mix of parts. Neither an 80 or 84 should have come with a Dana 44, but corporate 10 bolt fronts. That NP203 if that's what's in the '84 is also suspect. The 203 was for the full-time 4x4 which I thought '79 was the last year?

The front 44 or 10 bolt either one should hold up in the mud, it's too much traction that breaks things.