I went with the Eaton 912A556 Detroit Truetrac 8.5" 28 Spline Differential with 10 Bolt for my '85 K5, and I also replaced the ring and pinion to match the front axle. IIRC they are 3.08:1.
You must be registered for see images attach
I like the taller gears 'cause if I need low-grunt, I've always got Low Range.
We burn about 8 cord of wood every year and I am still in "Hobby Mode" when I drive out to the woods and cut trees down.
The K5 can tow 3 cords, but I like to not haul that much, so I tend to limit myself to 2 1/2 cords instead. Wood is heavy and I went over the scales at 11,300lbs, K5, the wood, trailer, 3/4 tank of gas, and three guys.
There's always snow when cutting because I feel it's a lot harder to set the woods on fire if the forest is covered in snow. We still carry a couple of CO2 extinguishers and a large drum of water - 30 gallons --- more weight.
Many times I have to crawl over stumps and rocks and cut my own roads to get to the trees I want -- and the Eaton works its butt off, but it always works well.
Off tree-cutting season - is trout season, and I like to use the K5 to get to places where I cannot walk (100% DAV) but I can walk a bit.
Running a chainsaw is easy for me as my arms are still good --- the back is starting to take the "hobby" out of woodcutting, and I may redesignate cutting firewood as a "Spectator Sport" sooner rather than later.
The Eaton can work hard --- doesn't make any noise and drives very peacefully on the street.
Mud is no problem. Ice is not a problem other than what the tires can handle ---
I also use tires with this logo ...
You must be registered for see images attach
HTH.
///
