My rearend just blew out, and the local mechanic is wanting $900.00 for a rebuild. I figured if I was gonna drop that kinda cash, I might as well spend a little more on an upgrade. What prices am I looking at for a decent (used?) 12-bolt or 9" rearend? Is this my only option? The car is stock now, and most likely will never see excess of 400 horsepower.

 

It really depends on what you are going to be using it for. Street driving, drag racing?
You said you wouldn't ever see over 400 hp, so for regular street driving your stock rearend should be ok. And going with a 12 bolt or 9 inch for this would be a waste of money.

 

I agree.

 

900??!?
Screw that, you can buy a take-off stock rear end for way less then that! Look to see if anyone locally is selling one. I bought a 3.73 geared rear end for i think 275 or 300?

Even if its used and you feel weary, you could buy all new gears, TA girdle/stud kit etc for less then 900.

 

Repairing a 10-bolt is a slow way to spend more. Seeing how you've already busted one, the second and third blown 10's are only a matter of time.

GET AT LEAST A 12-bolt. 9" is just as strong, but loses some hp from efficiency, adds ~30 pounds (over a 12-bolt), and can't be set up for a 3-channel ABS (outside of a custom reluctor ring/machining/brackets/sensor...). Plus if this is a daily driver you have a easier time with resale (few people would ever hold a 12-bolt "against you", but a F*rd 9" may spook off some buyers.

 

You are not too likely to find a used 12-bolt or 9-inch. But you can find a good used 10-bolt easy and cheap. I sold mine (in perfect condition with <30,000 miles) for $250.

Rich