Another rear end

[coppergmc]

I have read almost all of the rear end questions on this sight and still haven\'t heard anyone come up with a really good swap. You know, something easy and cheap. The explorer rear end wasn\'t a bad idea but 6 inches longer overall sure leaves the tires stuck out. The 8 1/2 S-10 rear is almost non-existant in my area. Other areas have the rear but want a high price for it plus shipping. I found a 77ish Mustang II with an 8\" and 3.50 gears. It also has the 5 lug bolt pattern. My drag lights will fit on the rear. So bolt pattern isn\'t really an issue. Tell me what you think about the 8\" or possibly another rear end that might work better than the others already mentioned on this sight. Thanks in advance.

[grimpuppy]

After a quick search on the net I read that the Maverick/Granada rear end is about 56.5\". This is from the brake drum to brake drum where the wheel mounts to. I don\'t know what size of differental was offered in these cars but the width seams about right. I think it has been mentioned that stock S-10 is about 54 1/2 to 55 1/2\". Might be worth looking into.

[speeder]

I think that if the vehicle came with an 8\" then some options of the same model would have come with a 9\". The 8 is not bad, but you will only get 28 spline axles and not much of a gear ratio choice. The early 70\'s mustangs and cougars had 9\" rears and 8\" rears that fit 4X4 S10, but the wheel backspacing needs to be different to fit those under your 2WD truck. So if you have a good wheel selection (you need 6\" backspacing for 4X4 S10) then you can get an easy swap.

[grimpuppy]

Maybe there is something in here that will help you out. Rear Diff Applications (http://www.teufert.net/other/rear%20end%20dimensions.htm)

[rayL]

now i thought the 8.8 was only like 3 inches wider??? whew and to think i almost bought one if these things... anyone know whats the deal here

[coppergmc]

On 2005-08-15 18:06, grimpuppy wrote:

Maybe there is something in here that will help you out. Rear Diff Applications (http://www.teufert.net/other/rear%20end%20dimensions.htm)



Cool. Thanks alot. This gives everybody a few more options.