53 rear end help...

[nicke]

Hey guys,
We are trying to figure out what needs to be ordered to add disc brakes and lower the rear 3-4" on Evan's 1953. We know the rear has been converted to a mid 60's rear end with a drive shaft, but we're having trouble figuring out what suspension setup this is. Stock 53 would be axle below leafs, right?
What are we working with? What do we need?
Also, we'll be converting to 5x4.75.
Here is what we have:




-Nick

[jweb]

If you want disc brakes and 5x4.75 bolt pattern just buy an S10 4x4 axle. The axle is in the stock location on top of the leafs.

[mr48chev]

Lowering that one is easy, you get a set of lowering blocks and longer U bolts.

If that is a five lug it's a lot more desirable rear axle than any thing that comes out of an S-10 being that it is a 12 bolt. As far as disk brake conversion you have to figure out exactly what the axle came out of and go from there. Several vendors sell bolt on disk brake kits or you can assemble your own with a later model rotor and caliper and a bracket that bolts to the flange where the backing plate bolts up.

[mongocanfly]

Ditto on blocks and u-bolts..I know you made mention earlier of l96-6.0 ls/4l80/4link/airbags/12 bolt/etc etc...looks like you already got your 12 bolt.a car 12 bolt has a round cover and truck has irregular shape cover...looks like from that pic of driveshaft you need to check driveshaft angle..it looks off or it may just be the way I'm looking at it..

[mongocanfly]

Scroll to the section in this article on 12 bolt I'd..it may help you narrow down what ya got a little..http://www.chevydiy.com/history-and-...differentials/

[nicke]

Thanks folks. First step I suppose is figuring out exactly what we have. I'm a bit leary on trying to use a s-10 axle behind a ls with 400+ hp, even though that would cover the disc brake part, which is why I think a good 12 bolt would be the best option.
-Nick

[jweb]

Originally Posted by nicke

Thanks folks. First step I suppose is figuring out exactly what we have. I'm a bit leary on trying to use a s-10 axle behind a ls with 400+ hp, even though that would cover the disc brake part, which is why I think a good 12 bolt would be the best option.
-Nick

It really depends on which 12 bolt you have. If that's an early 60's truck they have 17 spline axles and aren't that strong. Also there are plenty of people using the S-10 axle with ls swaps and 400+ hp. Check out fredscarryall build he's using an S10 axle with a built motor

It really depends on your budget, you may end up spending a lot of money swapping that axle to 5 lug and disc brakes. Also depends on which gear ratio and do you want posi

You could also consider a ford 8.8, they are limited slip, 3.73 gears and disc brakes. Just the wrong bolt pattern. That's what I have with my LS motor. I have only put a few hundred miles on it so far, but it seems to work well.

[nicke]

Thanks jweb. That's good advice.

Are there any specific years of S10 axle that would be better than another? I'll start trying to track one down.

Thanks!
-Nick

[jweb]

Originally Posted by nicke

Thanks jweb. That's good advice.

Are there any specific years of S10 axle that would be better than another? I'll start trying to track one down.

Thanks!
-Nick

98 and up had disc brakes. there's more info here http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=slam&page=6 Scroll down to Post# 140. I think he used the ZR2 rear axle which can be harder to find but may work better depending on your wheels.

[nicke]

Thanks again jweb. Went to the local U-pull it today and spotted a ZR2 99 blazer with discs and a 3:42 rear end. Best of all, its $108 out the door. Can't beat that, right!?







-Nick

[mongocanfly]

Good score..the zr2 should have a G80 in it to..my zr2 has 3.73s in it. Did you check the codes in the glovebox?

[nicke]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

Good score..the zr2 should have a G80 in it to..my zr2 has 3.73s in it.

It didn't have the G80 designation in the glove box, only GU6, designating the 3:42.
That gear ratio should be fine with the L96 and 4L80E, or we can swap the gears out later if needed.

-Nick

[mongocanfly]

Hmmm..I was under the impression that all zr2s came factory with 3.73s and g80...I've never seen one that didn't around here. And mine doesn't have that sway bar either..you sure that's a zr2? And its hard to tell from pics but I don't see the wheel flares either

[nicke]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

Hmmm..I was under the impression that all zr2s came factory with 3.73s and g80...I've never seen one that didn't around here.

Interesting. I did a vin search on the vehicle, and it came back as being a ZR2 designation, but there was no mention of that in the glovebox. Maybe it is just a standard 4x4 blazer then. Either way, I get the bolt pattern I want, a good gear ratio, and discs. Plus the price is right so I'm happy!



-Nick

[mongocanfly]

The zr2s axle will be about 3" wider than a standard s10.

[nicke]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

The zr2s axle will be about 3" wider than a standard s10.

Gotcha. I'll need to measure the current axle, but we'll be running 15x8 wheels so I'll just need to verify it will fit in the fenders.

Thanks again!
-Nick

[mongocanfly]

Your code pic just popped up...not a zr2..it would have zr2 in the rpo code

[nicke]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

Your code pic just popped up...not a zr2..it would have zr2 in the rpo code

Cool. Yep, as long as the axle is wide enough, it should work for me.

-Nick

[mongocanfly]

I went and looked the zr2 rear is 3.9" wider than standard s10..as long as what you got works with what your doing then go for it..but you'll def want some kind of locker in there with that LS

[nicke]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

I went and looked the zr2 rear is 3.9" wider than standard s10..as long as what you got works with what your doing then go for it..but you'll def want some kind of locker in there with that LS

Yep, these are the s10 widths:
2wd 54.5"
4wd 59"
ZR2 63"

I'm seeing reference to 62" being stock width, but I'm hoping this 59" axle will work! Only 1.5" narrower on each side.

-Nick

[jweb]

My rearend is 61" wide, that works well with my 20x9 wheels. So I think if you get the correct offset wheels it will be a good fit. Worst case you could use some wheel spacers. I have a set of 1/2" thick spacers if you want them. Just let me know and I will send them to you.

[nicke]

Thanks Jweb! I'll keep you updated!
I appreciate the offer!

-Nick