Rear end help

[Nchristi]

I've got a 53 gmc and I'm going to do a lwb s10 frame swap. I've got the s10 frame torn down and ready to be sandblasted. I'm currently looking for a Chevy blazer 4x4 rear end with the 8.5". I've been to every junkyard Within a one hour drive and I've only seen two and they were the 7.5" version. I'd like to stick to the chevy bolt pattern. I did find a zr2 s10 4x4 that had the 8.5" rear end. I've seen measurement posted and people saying that it will or will not work. I just want to hear from someone who has tried it or done it with the zr2. The zr2 rear is $135. Thanks in advance
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[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by Nchristi

I've got a 53 gmc and I'm going to do a lwb s10 frame swap. I've got the s10 frame torn down and ready to be sandblasted. I'm currently looking for a Chevy blazer 4x4 rear end with the 8.5". I've been to every junkyard Within a one hour drive and I've only seen two and they were the 7.5" version. I'd like to stick to the chevy bolt pattern. I did find a zr2 s10 4x4 that had the 8.5" rear end. I've seen measurement posted and people saying that it will or will not work. I just want to hear from someone who has tried it or done it with the zr2. The zr2 rear is $135. Thanks in advance
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ZR2 is what you want. 135 is a good price.
Its the rear we use for AD trucks. ZR2 has a 8.5" ring and a locker , you will have to relocate the perches but that's about it.

[mongocanfly]

^^^ditto^^^^..zr2 rear at 135 is a steal...3.73s and g80 locker..just make sure that's what your getting...some people get confused between zr2 rears and reg 4x4 rears..zr2 will be about 63" wide wms to wms..

[Nchristi]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

^^^ditto^^^^..zr2 rear at 135 is a steal...3.73s and g80 locker..just make sure that's what your getting...some people get confused between zr2 rears and reg 4x4 rears..zr2 will be about 63" wide wms to wms..

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[Nchristi]

Originally Posted by Nchristi

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The truck is a 5 speed zr2 s10 its not a blazer. The glovebox is removed so it doesn't show any rpo codes. I didn't take a measuring tape with me but the rear end is defiantly the 8.5 version. I just didn't want it to be too wide. Will take a measuring tape tomorrow. I just knew there was a lot of back and forth about using or not using them and wanted some advice.
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[joedoh]

man thats a good deal on an 8.5 locker.


as just a counterpoint, the only thing I would consider about a 63" rear is how low you want to make the truck, and how wide you will be able to make the front track width in comparison.

[mongocanfly]

Either rear will work the isses you'll run into are as joedoh pointed out...as well as wheel backspacing will be different between a zr2 rear and standard 4x4 rear..you can't go wrong at 135 for a zr2 though..I'd buy it in a sec and I don't even need it..do you have access to the whole truck?

[dwcsr]

If you look through this post

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=569491&page=9

You'll see the ZR2 with stock S10 wheels. Also at the end of the series is the wheels we ended up with and the offset. Axle length of 1" in either direction is ok on these truck because the original is almost dead center of the fender with about a 1/2" off set. If you have a set of wheels you already have then its harder.

[Nchristi]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

Either rear will work the isses you'll run into are as joedoh pointed out...as well as wheel backspacing will be different between a zr2 rear and standard 4x4 rear..you can't go wrong at 135 for a zr2 though..I'd buy it in a sec and I don't even need it..do you have access to the whole truck?

Ok thanks for the input. It's at a local u pull savage yard so it depends on what you mean by whole truck. Most of the rear end and suspension looked to be there though.
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[Nchristi]

Ok another note what year 4x4 blazers and model did the 8.5 come in? I've probably looked at 30 blazers that were 4x4 and every one had the 7.5.
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[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by Nchristi

Ok another note what year 4x4 blazers and model did the 8.5 come in? I've probably looked at 30 blazers that were 4x4 and every one had the 7.5.
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2 Door blazer . Mine was 2003 I think so it could have disc brakes

[mongocanfly]

A tape measure will tell all...without the glovebox it'll be harder to tell but some identifiers are the zr2 badge on the bed, the big humongous fender flares and the zr2 doesn't have a rear sway bar...but pull a tape in it..that's easiest...but it should have the g80 and 3.73s if its a zr2

[joedoh]

thanks for the installed pictures dwcsr, looks pretty good. with an s10 front suspension though I think it may end up looking wider in the rear, even with spacers. like this one of skymangs that has a late model f-body rear (similar to the ZR2 width)

Originally Posted by Nchristi

Ok another note what year 4x4 blazers and model did the 8.5 come in? I've probably looked at 30 blazers that were 4x4 and every one had the 7.5.

the 8.5 only came in blazers (and 4.3 trucks, 2wd and 4wd) with 5spd transmissions. all other blazers and 4.3 trucks got the 7.625 (except ZR2 of course) and its not a guaranteed thing either, I have a longbed 4.3 5 spd 1996 with a 7.625

guys sometimes say the xtremes got the 8.5, well, if it had a 5 spd 4.3 it did. maybe

[Nchristi]

Are we talking about the square body blazers that look like a Tahoe or are we talking about a Chevy blazer rounded body?
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[joedoh]

I am talking 1995-2003 s10 blazers

[OutlawDrifter]

As stated multiple times, the ZR2 axle for $135 is a steal. Buy it and order your back wheels with different back spacing if necessary.

[Nchristi]

Originally Posted by OutlawDrifter

As stated multiple times, the ZR2 axle for $135 is a steal. Buy it and order your back wheels with different back spacing if necessary.

I'm aware what they stated earlier about the zr2 thanks. No need to be a tool. My other question that nobody could 100% verify in a search was what year model / style blazer did the 8.5 come in. I've got it now. Thanks for all the helpful replies.
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[OutlawDrifter]

Originally Posted by Nchristi

I'm aware what they stated earlier about the zr2 thanks. No need to be a tool.Posted via Mobile Device

I was just reinforcing what others had stated. No need for name calling.