rear axle?

[Spblack]

Ive been exploring different axle options for my 59 apache. I know the s10 2x4 axle is only 54", but what if I wanted to run wider wheels? I could be wrong, but if I ran 9.5" rims with some fat tires and offset, this would get me pretty close to where it needs to be. Has anyone ran a 54" rear axle and did you run across any issues? please post pictures. My biggest concern now is mounting a 4 link and having enough room. if the frame is 34" wide, I believe ill have 5 or more inches on each side to mount a 4 link or whatever I decide for air bags in the rear. what are your guys thoughts?

[Spblack]

I remember cal_58 doing his with a 03 s10 blazer. I am not sure if it was 54" or not

[mr48chev]

Personally if I was going to run those meats with some real power under the hood I'd want a lot stronger rear end than an S-10. They are great for general cruising and a rather light foot on a low powered engine but put some power to them with a heavy foot and they usually don't hold up well.

[oldman3]

This is information I've picked up over the years from post on this site and other sources. Take it for what it's worth information. Check on everything before buying.

2 wheel drive S-10 mounting surface to mounting surface is 54.5"
4 wheel drive S-10 mounting surface to mounting surface is 59-60"

pickup's and blazers are different, no sure on sizes between 2 wheel and 4 wheel drive.

83-92 have 7.5" ring gear 26 spline axles
some 88 thru 94 have 7.625 ring gear with 28 spline axles
95 and up had 8.5" ring gear with 30 spline axles.
Standard on 98 up had disc brakes (on blazers, not sure on the pickups)

7.5 and 7.625 ring gears had almost a square cover and straight tubes 2-3/4" dia

8.5 ring gear had a round cover and tubes started at 3" and tapered down to 2-3/4". Check Summit Cat. for pictures of the gaskets.

remember this is stuff I picked up, not all first had knowledge...Jim

[paintman]

Not to hi jack the thread.............but when you guys talk about mounting surface to mounting surface, are you referring to the surface that the rims sits on at the end of the axle? Or is it the surface on the end of the tube that the backing plate mounts to? I'm so confused

[oldman3]

paintman, I'm always talking about were the rim mounts, otherwise I call it backing plate to backing plate which some people may need to make sure it clears and inside item. Clear as mud, right...Jim

[Spblack]

well, I decided to skip the s10 route and run with a ford explorer 8.8 with 3.73 posi. I found one on craigslist for 250 with disk brakes and I got a guy that will shorten and redrill the bolt pattern to 5x4.75 for around 150. I don't want to chance the s10 if I go the route with a 6.0 motor. I don't think im going to be taking it easy on it. thanks guys

[dwcsr]

Shorten the housing and axles then re-drill for 150? Sounds way to cheap.

[Spblack]

its through a friends brother, its nice to know people. lol

[G&R's57GMC]

Gee $ 400 sounds great compared to what the Currie 9" cost me. BTW mine is 60" and 8" wheels look like they'll just clear the bedside.

[Spblack]

Originally Posted by G&R's57GMC

Gee $ 400 sounds great compared to what the Currie 9" cost me. BTW mine is 60" and 8" wheels look like they'll just clear the bedside.

what air bags are you using in the rear?