10 bolt 8.5
YEP, do alot of 10 bolt 8.5 rears....VERY good strong diff.
GM still uses this diff in the 1/2 ton trucks and suvs.
This rear has been in service since 1970!!! That is a darn long run for a diff...Can not be a bad design if it is still around. It is like the small block chevy of rearends...lol. It does it all.
You can upgrade it to 33 spline axles. I recommend 30 to be enough . You will be fine for about 400 ft # with the stockers as long as you have the proper elim kit give it a shot and see what she will take. If you have the money upgrade the spool and axles to 30 spline since this rear bolts right in. Then you should be good for down to 10's.
Trans brake is ok, but you will need to do something with the suspension to take that shock. Rears break because the suspension does not provide a sound delivery of the torque to the ground as a Ladder bar or custom 4 link provides. If the tires shake the rear ends tear themselves up esspecial if someone set the back lash to loose.
Good luck, Jim