Axle Options

[79vette]

I was wheeling in Johnson Valley yesterday and somehow broke my rear 12 bolt. There was no leaking when we rolled into camp last night, but when I headed home this morning the back of the truck was covered in oil after 100 miles and the axle looked like this when we stopped for lunch. I didn't hit anything, and didn't even do any wheeling today... I packed the crack with JB water weld on the side of the road, refilled the oil and drove home in front wheel drive (twin stick np205).

1 ring gear bolt had backed out and was in the bottom of the axle, and another was just starting to work it's way out. The housing is cracked all the way through, but there's no damage on the inside so I don't see how it could be related to the loose bolts. Gears and locker looks fine, but the housing is completely done. I'm trying to find another 12 bolt housing locally so I can keep my gears and ARB, but that's not looking promising so far.

Does anyone know off hand what wheel size is required to clear the brakes on a 14 bolt semi float axle (9.5" ring gear)? Looks like they come in several versions (6/8 lug, drum/disc brakes, and at least 2 widths). I can move spring perches but I need to be able to run 15" wheels.

I don't want the weight of a 14b full float. Anything else I should be looking for besides another 12 bolt or the 9.5" 14 bolt?