The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Searched and searched but still confused

OK so I have been trying to figure out how an S10 rear axle, either 2 or 4 wheel drive, compares to my original 1950 AD 1/2 ton rear axle. Seems I have been able to find alot of pieces of information but the more I find the more confused I get. HELP!
All I need to know is this:
What is the width of the S10 axle from drum (wheel mounting surface) to drum for both the 2 and 4 WD models?
My 1950 looks to be approximatly 59 inches give or take.
I've confused myself due to the terminology different sites and posters use to describe their measurements. I just want to know from wheel mounting surface to wheel mounting surface.
Please help the guy who rode the short bus to school out fellas.

Thanks, Chuck

I wont be much help because ive never got into it, but from what Ive read the 4X4 S-10 is the same width. The 2 wheel drive is too narrow.

. SO HAVE you Really Looked
>> I'm running a 77 suburban 4x4 3.40:1 ... 6 lug w/ my 292 L6 and T5.

I'll post this again and guys .... it's worth reading & keeping in a file

S-10 may not be included here but OHwell Others will know...

Rear Ends ::
http://www.chevytrucks.org/tech/rear_ends.htm
Suspension Measurements ::
http://www.teufert.net/other/rear%20end%20dimensions.htm
https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=403959

LOOK UP this date........
Edited by carolines truck (09 December, 2008 10:54)

Thanks for the info Carolinestruck. I did in fact find that info on my own and while these links offer ALOT ot good information, none of them answered my question. S-10 is listed on some however no mention of 2 or 4 WD is made. As Wrenchbender mentioned they are supposed to be different, I was just looking for the actual measurements. I think my confusion is due largely to the fact that there is so much info out there and I am looking for only one specific piece.
I guess I should mention I want to stay with the 6 lug bolt pattern hence my particular interest in the 4 WD version of the S-10. I have also considered some of the old solid axle imports but they are getting hard to find in the scrap yards.
I have a set of wheels I want to use and am planning on sticking with the 6 lug front (droppped axle from Sid's on the way)whether it be disc or drum. These wheels are of the reverse, deep dish style so I can likely get away with a narrower (slightly) rear if I can find a 6 lugger. Bracketry and mounts are easily changed so I am not too concerned there.
Thanks again for your input though.
Anyone else?!

Chuck

The 4wd rear end is the proper width...if it matches the bolt pattern you plan on using. The correct width of the stock AD diff is 62" from mount surface to mount surface.

I've found that the mid-80's Camaro diffs are plentiful and cheap and if you are looking for a 3.42 or a 3.08 there are readily available. However, they are the 5 on 4-3/4 pattern.

When you retain the original 6 lug pattern and convert to front discs, you're going to be forced to buy the pricey wheel bearings for the stock hubs....only available from the mail-order vendors. You're going to wind up with rims with 3-5/8" to 4" backspacing.....might be an option to consider and be able to replace bearings/seals from your local parts houses.

Dave

4x4 S-10s (technically, they're T-10s) are 5 on 4 3/4 bolt patter, same as the 2wd version. The axles are wider as stated. They also used a FWD type backspacing on the wheels to compensate. The extra width is due to the design of the front suspension on the 4x4 version.

Without knowing just what you want to finish with after the conversion, advice here can be skimpy. I assume you want to stick with 6 lug to match the front. But why swap rears unless it's to run above 50mph. If you ever plan on disc on front I would go with the Camaro as Dave suggested and a late clip or MII on front with 5 lugs. That conversion would allow you disc brakes on all four wheels.

S10 2WD is 55.5 inches rim mounting surface to rim mounting surface and the S10 4WD is 59.5 inches measured the same way according to this thread.

http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/wheelbase-track-width-93821.html

I plan to go to an open drive line that is the reason for the change in rear axle. I have a 57 235 and I have it coupled to an 85 Camaro T5 five speed. I started this thread under the assumption that like other GM 4 WD's the S-10 4 wheelers also used 6 lugs, however several have informed me that that is not the case and that all S trucks used 5 lugs. So, while my new found knowledge has in fact confirmed that the width of the 4 WD S-10 would be nearly ideal for my project I would still need to modify the axles to retain my 6 lug wheels. Maybe the import axle, while harder to find, will be the most cost effective way to go.
Once again I have to say thanks to all those who have helped to clear up my recent bought of stupidity and confusion. As always this is the place to get the straight scoop on anything stovebolt related.
I'll keep you all posted on my progress.

Chuck

I'm a 1977 suburban 4x4 stock pattern 6 lug 12 bolt @ 3.40:1 w/ 2.75'' drum shoe.

Just a suggestion.....if you plan on running a mechanical speedo Camaro T5, which most likely has a .63 OD, you want to crunch some numbers and figure out what diff ratio you want to run with whatever height rear tire you choose. Your 235 will be happiest with your favorite cruise speed at between 1900-2200 rpms. I like to use the bottom calculator:

http://CSGNETWORK.com/multirpmcalc.html

Once you lock in on the ratio you want to use, then you have to consider the availability of that specific ratio. Pull up some information on the rear axle ratios for the 4wd S10 Blazers and see what they offered, and how many may be available, of the diff R&P ratio you wanted. That may be the deciding factor in which diff you ultimately wind up running.

You just don't want to box yourself into a corner and wind up having to buy a diff and then springing for a R&P change to get your truck geared correctly and to get rims that will give you the look you want.

Dave