OK guys throw a rookie a bone here, please! This thread is somewhat helpful, but I really want to know what's going on.
Let's start with what I KNOW: rear is original-5.14 gears, # on the diff is 3882128, 10 bolt rear cover, front diff dump-open u-joint, full floater (typical info from resto pack). I want to stay with 8-lug, preferably the original rear, mostly because brakes hate me and I hate them.
What I want to know: Is this an Eaton (pretty sure)? What specific name do they call it (10 bolt 7.5, 8.5, 8.875, none of these??)? I thought Patricks had the closed tube rear for 3100's ..according to 47thrift that gear can be used in our rear? If not where can a 3.XX gear be bought? I have to think that a different rear (like a Dana) would probably be cheaper than changing gears, but then how much of a struggle will I have with brakes?
This is the first and in my mind most important thing to do for making this a reasonable truck to drive. Sorry for so many questions, but every search I do winds up confusing me even more?
