Rear end choices???

[54foster]

I recently picked up a project that someone else started, and I need some help. I have a 1954 body and a late model S-10 frame. The rear end is not going to work, so I was wondering what rear ends people use on these frame swaps. Thanks for your help, I'm sure I will be asking for a lot of help as I'm not the one who took either truck apart.

[geoffcalii]

iv seen that most people on hear r using a 4x4 blazer rear end. i c ur right down the road from me a ways, im in hamilton oh. i drive the all stock 49 3100 as a daily. looking forward to cn more progress on this build as im still stock pileing parts to update mine

[chinquipin]

We used 4x4 blazer on my dads, we used 8in wheels with 3in backspace, otherwise it wouldve still needed a small spacer on each side. I'm using a 12 bolt from 70 monte carlo on mine and so far seems to be perfect

[54foster]

geoffcalii thanks for the info and yes we are very close indeed. I may need your help from time to time just to see where some of the box of parts I have goes. I got a great deal on the truck just wish I had been the one to take the two apart. I will be starting a build thread on it very soon, just waiting to grab a few more missing parts.

[54foster]

chinquipin thanks for the info I don't mind running a bit of a spacer if I have to, and I wondered about a 4x4 good to know someone used it and it worked. Stay tuned as I'm sure I will be asking a lot of questions.

[chinquipin]

the nice thing about 4x4 blazer is that its a direct bolt in. I had to weld perches on the monte carlo rearend. I only used it because i wanted a high gear ratio because i won't be running a overdrive.

[Rigmover]

In my 58 GMC i put a 8.5" 10 Bolt out of a 81 Chevy Burb 4x4 not to hard of a swap with few modifications.

[geoffcalii]

thats no problem 54foster, id b happy to help how ever i can. and i know ware theirs a 54 5window i tried getting parts off of but he'll only sell it whole.so it looks like i need to save for another one! lol

[BlueJeep]

I used a 95 4wd rear axle in mine, and 1" spacers per side to run stock 2wd 15x7 wheels. The ZR2 s10 rear axle would be about perfect.

[54foster]

Originally Posted by geoffcalii

thats no problem 54foster, id b happy to help how ever i can. and i know ware theirs a 54 5window i tried getting parts off of but he'll only sell it whole.so it looks like i need to save for another one! lol

My project is a 54 5 window, so if your only looking for parts off of it I may be willing to split the cost of it. Only if you tell me the truck is not in a junk yard behind the shopping center off of route 4. That guy is crazy and the truck is a complete rust bucket.

[54foster]

Originally Posted by BlueJeep

I used a 95 4wd rear axle in mine, and 1" spacers per side to run stock 2wd 15x7 wheels. The ZR2 s10 rear axle would be about perfect.

Blue thanks for the info, I went through your build sheet and it looks good. I can use a lot of your info.

[geoffcalii]

yup thats the one, he want way to much for it and yes its really ruff. i was hopeing to talk him down some tho. it would make a grate low buck cool old work truck of cruzer. but i wanted that front bumper w/the og bumperets

[54foster]

Originally Posted by geoffcalii

yup thats the one, he want way to much for it and yes its really ruff. i was hopeing to talk him down some tho. it would make a grate low buck cool old work truck of cruzer. but i wanted that front bumper w/the og bumperets

That was a lucky guess by me huh?? I talked to him today as a matter of fact I have been trying to talking him into piecing it out for a couple of months and he will not. I would like to have the front grill and the dash out of it. He will not budge on it.

[booger1949]

i used a 73 camaro rearend an i had to move the perches but its a highway gear that is in it so i get great gas mileage an i didnt have to use any wheel spacers,

[99 to Life]

i'm using a 4x4 s-10 rear end with 2" spacers. with 58' biscane wheels though. But it has the look I am going for.

[StudioJAK]

I'm using a olds bravada rear end came with disc, locker and 3:73 gears. perfect fit on stock frame. Should be a direct swap on a s-10 frame. Im running 15x10's in the rear, and they clear the inner bed rail with no spacers.

[54foster]

Originally Posted by StudioJAK

I'm using a olds bravada rear end came with disc, locker and 3:73 gears. perfect fit on stock frame. Should be a direct swap on a s-10 frame. Im running 15x10's in the rear, and they clear the inner bed rail with no spacers.

Thanks for the pictures, does the bed fit and not hit the tires or brake calipers?

[StudioJAK]

Here is a shot from the rear with it blocked with wood (Prior to 4-link) with bed on. The side shot is to show the 15x10 295/50R15 stick out about a 1 1/2" from the fender. Gonna have to widen them I have a shot looking down the inside with the bed on, ill post if i can find it.

[54foster]

thanks for the view. I think not having to use the spacers are because of the rims you used. But I will have to check that out.

[StudioJAK]

U.S. Wheel 52-5010R - U.S. Wheel 52 Series Chrome Smoothie Wheels

Brand U.S. Wheel
Product Line U.S. Wheel 52 Series Chrome Smoothie Wheels
Summit Racing Part Number USW-52-5010R

Wheel Diameter 15 in.
Wheel Width (in) 10.000 in.
Wheel Material Steel
Primary Wheel Color Chrome
Wheel Finish Chrome
Backspacing (in) 4.000 in.
Offset -38.00mm
Wheel Construction 2-piece
Notes This is a reverse style wheel, there may be interference problems with most disc brakes, some large drum brakes and most fenderwells.