Rear axle for 1950 truck

[muthahucker]

I'm working on my frame and drivetrain and am starting to get to the part where I need to make a decision on my rear axle.
I currently have a 10 bolt rear axle out of a 1974 Camaro sitting in my shop with drum brakes (needs a rebuild), but I also have access to a 1999 blazer rear axle (unsure exactly what brake system is on it, believe its drums.. needs a rebuild) and have a friend that is offering a rear axle out of a 2002 explorer before it goes to the scrap yard (disc rear brakes, needs a rebuild).
What would be the best choice for a rear axle. I heard the explorer rear end is offset to one side?
Thanks

[markmdz]

subscribed. I'm contemplating what to do with my rear axle as well.

Yes, the Explorer 8.8 is offset 2" from what I've read. It's a stout axle and the choice of many builders but I have no idea how much work is needed to get one grafted under our trucks. I don't know how much of an issue the offset is, or if it is something that can go in without major modification.

[50dude]

Originally Posted by markmdz

subscribed. I'm contemplating what to do with my rear axle as well.

Yes, the Explorer 8.8 is offset 2" from what I've read. It's a stout axle and the choice of many builders but I have no idea how much work is needed to get one grafted under our trucks. I don't know how much of an issue the offset is, or if it is something that can go in without major modification.

I have a 74 nova 10 bolt fits nice easy install
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[mr48chev]

The Explorer is a real popular rear axle for under these trucks. If you are running a Mustang II style front crossmember you can run the 5 on 4-1/5 bolt pattern drums to match and just have to have Ford Pattern wheels rather than Chevy pattern wheels.

The Camaro rear axles fit well too and a lot of guys run them in AD and TF trucks.

Full size Blazer is going to be a bit wide limiting your tire and wheel choices.

[markmdz]

Originally Posted by 50dude

I have a 74 nova 10 bolt fits nice easy install
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Any pics?

[50dude]

Originally Posted by markmdz

Any pics?

I can get you some this weekend
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[wolffcub]

I used a 2001 blazer axle. It gave me disk brakes in the rear. Came with a 3.73 but now a 3.23. Might go to a 3.08 in it soon. What is your setup going to be in your 50?

[iowaboynca]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

The Explorer is a real popular rear axle for under these trucks. If you are running a Mustang II style front crossmember you can run the 5 on 4-1/5 bolt pattern drums to match and just have to have Ford Pattern wheels rather than Chevy pattern wheels.

I went this route. found an 8.8 out of an Eddie Bauer w/disc brakes and 3.73 rear. didn't need the discs but hey it was there.

[jweb]

There are alot of right answers to this.

I used a '72 Nova axle with stock leaf springs for years, the Nova axle was 60 1/4" wide which was a little too narrow for my truck. I added 1/2" wheel spacers to stop the rubbing on the bed sides.

Recently I did an LS engine swap, so I decided to upgrade my rear suspension and axle. Now I am using a Explorer 8.8 which gives me disc brakes, limited slip and 3.73 gears. This axle is 59.5 inches wide, since this is a different bolt pattern (5x4.5)and too narrow I used 1" wheel spacers/Adapters to fit my 5x4.75 wheels. The down side of the Explorer 8.8 is the bolt pattern if you already have wheels. Also I learned the Explorer 8.8 wouldn't work with the triangulated 4 link I bought due to the offset housing. That was an expensive mistake.

Other options are:

Disc brakes:
S-10 4x4 59" wide
S-10 ZR-2 63" wide
Mustang 8.8 don't know the width but these don't have offset housing

Drum brakes:
Early Camaro or Nova 60 1/4" wide

Really depends on your wheel/tire plans and which one you can find a deal on but it seems like 61" wide is ideal for most of these trucks.

[muthahucker]

I'm thinking of using the Camaro rear axle. It was out of either a 1974 or 1976 Camaro with a 305 engine/350 trans combo.
I'm not sure what to think about the explorer rear axle being offset. I see a lot of guys use them but what needs to be done about the offset angle.
I'm guessing the camaro rear axle will be stronger then the 1999 s10 4x4 blazer rear axle.
I have a 350/4 bolt block out of an old chevy truck that can be used, was thinking of putting a Fasst injection intake system on it for fuel injecton.
Other choice would be to pull an LS engine from a scrap vehicle that I would have to locate.

[markmdz]

Like jweb, I was planning to use the Explorer rear but I bought his 4-link so I decided to go a different route. I just picked up a blazer/s-10 4x4 rear in lieu of the explorer. This one is less stout than the 8.8, but it'll do just fine for my application.

The offset isn't a big deal at all on the explorer and shouldn't scare anyone away from using it unless you're going to use a triangulated 4-link. A standard 4-link will work fine though.