Knowledge needed on GM 12 Bolt rears

jeepinmatt

jeepinmatt

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Mar 24, 2005
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Stanley, NC
I've currently got a Ford 9" in the rear of my TJ, but I really want the Auburn Ected Max locker, and its only available for D44/Ford8.8/GM 12 bolt. For whatever reason, I'm just opposed to putting an 8.8 in there, and D44's don't have the strength of the other two, so whats the deal with a GM 12 bolt? Can I find one around 60-63" WMS with a 5x4.5 bolt pattern? Which came with discs? Anything else I should know? I planning to run 4.88 gears and 35" KM2's on a TJ with a 4.0/4.6 stroker.
 
I'd rock an 8.8 in a heartbeat. A 12 bolt is an 8.875, but to the best of my knowledge never came with disc brakes. I just see the 8.8 being easier to find for what you need, cheaper, and more simple.

The 12 bolts came in some GM trucks and the big body cars. The also made two different versions.
 
8.8 is a better axle, larger shafts and bearings throughout. Factory disk brakes and the correct width from an explorer. Why even try a 12 bolt?

Sent from over the holler and through the woods
 
I'd stick with the 9". I've seen a 12 bolt shaft break on a 35" tire.
 
12 bolts are old and tired. Do an 8.8 or keep the 9. Could also do a JK style 44 we have a few here we could reconfigure for you. Could do rubicon locker or do non rubi style JK. Also Ected are no very strong and I would not recommend using one for any heavy offroad use.
 
Lee said:
8.8 is a better axle, larger shafts and bearings throughout. Factory disk brakes and the correct width from an explorer. Why even try a 12 bolt?

Sent from over the holler and through the woods
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I just don't like the 8.8, its too trendy, kinda like an Iphone for jeep guys. I guess I should consider it.
 
Cperry said:
12 bolts are old and tired. Do an 8.8 or keep the 9. Could also do a JK style 44 we have a few here we could reconfigure for you. Could do rubicon locker or do non rubi style JK. Also Ected are no very strong and I would not recommend using one for any heavy offroad use.
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I'm looking for something with a limited slip when not locked. Are the rubicon lockers like that?
 
iphones are trendy because someone spent $50 Million to make little girls think they were
8.8s are trendy because they work and are simple.
 
8.8s > iPhones
 
Back in the olden days, all of the bolt-on guys on JeepsUnlimited.com talked about the 8.8 swap as the holy grail, and all of my friends who knew little or nothing about drivetrain stuff talked about swapping an 8.8 in, which really annoyed me because they didn't even know why it was called an 8.8. And apparently all of you guys think its cool too, which is only making it worse!:flipoff2:
Jody Treadway said:
8.8's are too "trendy" but Rubi axles aren't? :flipoff2:
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Rubicon axles are too, but at least they come with the right brackets, gears, and selectable locker, whereas doing that to an 8.8 is easily $1500 and requires a days labor.
 
I have a Dana 60 (small axles) from a Travelall I'll sell you. You'll have to shorten it and put disks on it but you'll be different!
 
jeepinmatt said:
Back in the olden days, all of the bolt-on guys on JeepsUnlimited.com talked about the 8.8 swap as the holy grail, and all of my friends who knew little or nothing about drivetrain stuff talked about swapping an 8.8 in, which really annoyed me because they didn't even know why it was called an 8.8. And apparently all of you guys think its cool too, which is only making it worse!:flipoff2:

Rubicon axles are too, but at least they come with the right brackets, gears, and selectable locker, whereas doing that to an 8.8 is easily $1500 and requires a days labor.
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My :flipoff2: was all in fun. I'm sure you know that.
But...TJ Rubi 44 rears have Dana 35 tubes that are prone to bending as well as brackets that are pretty flimsy. The lockers themselves are great in design and operation, when they work correctly. If there is an issue with one, they are a throw away item. It's a tough call. If you could truss a Rubi 44 w/o dropping a lot of coin on one, that would be a pretty solid axle.
 
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R Q said:
I have a Dana 60 (small axles) from a Travelall I'll sell you. You'll have to shorten it and put disks on it but you'll be different!
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I've been down the D60 route and back, and I'm trying to keep it a little lighter/simpler.
 
Keep the 9. Put a nodular case in it, 35 spline alloys, spool. (Chase spec'd all the parts for me!)

Very simple. Stronger than a D60 rear, but waaaaaayyy lighter. And you can get about any bolt circle

Anyone who know my junk knows I beat the shit out of mine and it is now on its third owner runnin' 38s with no issues!
 
ol'Jeeps said:
Keep the 9. Put a nodular case in it, 35 spline alloys, spool. (Chase spec'd all the parts for me!)

Very simple. Stronger than a D60 rear, but waaaaaayyy lighter. And you can get about any bolt circle

Anyone who know my junk knows I beat the shit out of mine and it is now on its third owner runnin' 38s with no issues!
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This is why I like the 9"! But no option for limited slip AND locker, and since 95% of my use is street/snow/dirt trails around the house, a limited slip is much more useful than a locker.
 
Jody Treadway said:
Light and simple= Tacoma rear w/ whatever spacers are needed to make 5 on 4.5"?
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Thought about it, but how strong are they? I know the Toyota axles are renowned by Toyota guys, but anything will hold up to 468lbs and 32ft-lbs of torque.
 
jeepinmatt said:
Thought about it, but how strong are they? I know the Toyota axles are renowned by Toyota guys, but anything will hold up to 468lbs and 32ft-lbs of torque.
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Longfields...just saying
 
Oh and I am NOT a Yota guy...at all.
 
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