The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Is a T-5 the holy grail?

I went to my friendly local auto recycler today and asked if he had an S-10 T-5. The guy looked at me like I had just asked him if he had a Yenko Camaro on the shelf back there somewhere....

S-10s with a five speed were a dime a dozen around here. Are these transmissions hard to find or what?

I also asked about an S-10 rear end to bolt in my ride. He again looked at me like I was nuts.

So if I find these two items, will a T-5 and an S-10 rear end make my 46 a little faster? Is the route I should consider? By the way, I've read the T-5 articles in the tech. I am leaning this way, but need a little imput from ya'all.

Or should I go to a 3:55 gear out of the catalogs?

Another idea I read about here but no one jumped in on..How about an Explorer rear end with Discs? What is the width on that 8.8 dorF? Would and Exploder rear work on our old trucks...ya, I know, I don't like using enemy parts....but lots of old exploders in the U-pull up the road.

The goal is a daily driver that can make short sprints on the Interstate and stay out of the way on the fast divided highways.

i don't if this helps but the track is 61.5 i am trying to figure out the same thing, for my 54, 3100. you can get som specs by going to **** explorer.com it list the dimensions ang the gear ratios for the v8 and v6.

I measured my stock '46 1/2 ton rear at 60" out/out. I am using a '79 Camaro rear with 3:42 and it's 61" out/out. I have been told that with the T-5 with .72 OD that I should use 3:55 or 3:73. I won't know for at least a year (or two).

I measured some S-10 trucks in my company parking lot and could only do in/in to the backing plate or use the tires to check the track. I don't remember the numbers but I think it was too narrow. It's also a 2 1/2" diameter tube not a 3" diameter if that matters to you.

I found both of my T-5 trans through the local paper. I hope this helps.

I'm running a 3:55s. It was OK on the freeway but seemed to me it was working too hard at 65. Now with the T5 in overdrive 65 is a breeze. I don't really think I would want to go lower than 3:55 else I would have to be pedeling 70+

I just spent an hour at the local U-pull. A 91 or 92 Mazda P/U rear measures out at about 60 and has 6 lug rear. Anyone know anything about early 90's Mazda? From what I remember, they are pretty much a Dorf in Mazda clothing?



Again...not real crazy about going with an off brand...

I know someone on this board used Mazda...anyone tried this?

No T-5s in sight....

I'm in Minnesota also and got a rusty '88 S-10 for free this summer! Drove it home and the T-5 worked good in all gears. Watch for junkers that seem to sit in the same spot when you are driving around, and then stop and ask if they are for sale. By the time I stripped this one out, sold the parts I didn't want and hauled the remains to the scrapyard, I had gotten paid $300 to take the T-5. Then again, I'm a cheap bottomfeeder on a budget.

All in the name of misguided theory but I always understood that the camaro rear end was pretty much correct width for the old trucks. Then understood that the camaro guys liked the old Mopar B body 8 3/4 rear as a near bolt in for it's removable 3rd member for an easy gear ratio swap. So does that mean that the Mopar rear woluld be a close fit for AD trucks? keeping my torque tube but I always wondered.

The T-5 tranny is a really good option, but it's not really a "bolt-in" deal. I was planning to go this route on my '68 (3.73 rear), but I'm now looking for a New Process A833. It's a 4 speed (3+OD), has a .73 OD, and is a direct replacement for my tranny.

Go here: http://www.inliners.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000453

There are two other links I posted on there too. The T-5s didn't only come in S-10's either. Look in Astro Vans, Caamaros, Firebirds, and a few other I can't remember. The one I've got came out of a Camaro. It's a World Class, has a .63 OD, and my current speedo gear will even slide in place of the electronic one on the T-5.

Email me at [email protected] if you need links or any info. I don't drop by here much. Good luck. John

46ip,

I was told the 87 and 88 blazer is a perfect width match and available in 6 bolt chevy as well.

Haven't heard from you in a while, how are things "down south"?

Jake

I just found an S-10 T-5 locally for $75.oo, so I think that the wrecking yard is a way too high. My dad's next door neighbor is willing to give me one out of his truck. As a matter of fact, he wants to give me the whole truck. It has a blown head gasket. However, I do not have room to store that truck or the parts.