Rear Axles

[vette59jdwl]

What is everyone using for a rear axle and what gear ration also width backing plate to backing plate.Also is anyone using a 6 bolt rear axle out of a small or mini truck thanks  vette59jdwl

[62131]

I'm using  a rear end out of a 95 s10 blazer 3:42 ratio and 59" mounting flange to mounting flange

[ghost28]

I usually find or know of some narrow ford nine inch ford laying around, and I use 3.00 to 3.70 gears if possible.  I think I might use 433's in the gasser 55 if I keep it around town.

[sixball]

I'm running a Dana 44 limited slip from a '68 GMC 3.54 to 1 in my '53 pickup.

[EDNY]

Like 62131 my group has been using the Blazer 59" axles. One problem we ran into putting one in my son's 37 Master was that the disc brake axle hardware hit the leaf springs.  So we used an axle from a 95-97 Blazer with drum brakes.

On my 33 Master I used a drum posi axle from a S10 Xtreme 2WD truck (54.5"), if you have a 4 link the disc hardware is not a problem.

Seems like 3.42 ratio is common in the Blazer axles..my 33M has 3.08 gears.

Mentioned it before is that they made some of the S10 Xtreme axles with 8.5 gears (RPO G87)..have one in my 33M (and 2 on the shelf).

[62131]

Like 62131 my group has been using the Blazer 59" axles. One problem we ran into putting one in my son's 37 Master was that the disc brake axle hardware hit the leaf springs.  So we used an axle from a 95-97 Blazer with drum brakes.

On my 33 Master I used a drum posi axle from a S10 Xtreme 2WD truck (54.5"), if you have a 4 link the disc hardware is not a problem.

Seems like 3.42 ratio is common in the Blazer axles..my 33M has 3.08 gears.

Mentioned it before is that they made some of the S10 Xtreme axles with 8.5 gears (RPO G87)..have one in my 33Mand 2 on the shelf).

.   


You  have to use the rear end with the drum brakes unless you move the leaf springs inward or a four
link set up. The 3:08 is a real common gear ratio the 3:42 is found in the two wheel drive model s10 blazer.

[FATnLOW]

Is there any numbers  on the rear end to identify what year of S-10  it was installed in??

[EDNY]

Is there any numbers  on the rear end to identify what year of S-10  it was installed in??

If you are lucky the factory stamped numbers will be visible, up here in the north the rust destroys the stampings.  Here is one 54.5" axle I removed from a 2003 2WD Blazer with disc brakes. Can't locate my GM axle number book right now but it's stamped MK8 K221 2.

Anytime I see a 59" or 54.5" (8.5") axle I grab it..notice the round cover on the 8.5" axle.

Notice how the 3rd member from a full size truck (8.5") is fitted into S10 axle tubes. 3" reduced to 2.5".

[TFoch]

I have the S10 two wheel drive in mine with the 3.42 gears.
If you look in the glove box of the S10 you get the rear end from here are the codes to tell you what gear ratio it is.
GU4=3.08
GU5=3.23
GU6=3.42
GT4=3.73
GT5=4.10
HC4=4.56

[madmike3435]

THAT CODE INFO is real good stuff to have.

My 2003 S-10 extreme extended cab came factory equipped with a 3.42 posi.. If I remember right the
factory brochure said it was the stock ratio.

Factory tires were 235-55-16 series looked stupid,  all that open area in wheel wells , so when tires were done changed them to 235-65-16 . Lowered driving hwy RPM's 200

Did not know the rears were that narrow and they have a large sway bar for body anti roll.

mike lynch       

[EDNY]

Funny is that every time I get behind a Blazer or S10 I check out the rear axles - I can spot a 8.5" instantly.  The 7.5" has the tiny points and the 8.5" has a bulkier protrusions that are flat on the bottom - don't look like sharp pointers.  Of course getting on the ground you can see the 8.5" has a round cover vs the 7.5" oval shape.

[ChevRon]

Ed I'm the same way especially at a wrecking yard. Also most 8.5 axle tubes are larger at the carrier then neck down. Actually getting hard to find S 10s with 8.5. Ron

[FATnLOW]

Is there any numbers  on the rear end to identify what year of S-10  it was installed in??

If you are lucky the factory stamped numbers will be visible, up here in the north the rust destroys the stampings.  Here is one 54.5" axle I removed from a 2003 2WD Blazer with disc brakes. Can't locate my GM axle number book right now but it's stamped MK8 K221 2.

Anytime I see a 59" or 54.5" (8.5") axle I grab it..notice the round cover on the 8.5" axle.

Notice how the 3rd member from a full size truck (8.5") is fitted into S10 axle tubes. 3" reduced to 2.5". ,....,


I should have all the numbers written down on my builds sheet  ..just need to have it identified... Will post it and maybe you can tell me what year of S-10 it came from

[chopper526]

I'm using a rear out of a 1957 Chevy. Only modification was the perches had to be moved. Fits like a glove! Rear ratio: 4.56, it's tough on the highway, but gives a good launch

[madmike3435]

4.56 gears, you have to be buzzing 3600--4000 rpm at 60 mph on hwy, depending on height of tires................that's hard on the bottom end big time .  Feels like your driving a buzz bomb motor is so tight.

mike