rearend or rearend, what to do?

[smoothdime]

well this is my problem. i have a 8.5\" 10 bolt from a 99 zr2 s-10, 3.73 posi. i need new wheels anyway since the old ones where zr-1 wheels and im goin for the whole pro-street look. do i keep the rearend or do the 8.8 swap. i think the posi is about shot in the 10 bolt and i can get a nice explorer rear for about $250. so do i put a spool in the 10 bolt or do the swap and look to up grade the 8.8 later. i dont want to custom order wheels, thinkin about prostars or similar. im running 275/60-15 bfg drag radials with 3\" belltech drop springs so i dont want anything hanging out the side really. i did a quick search and couldnt find any info on the widths of any rearends to look at the backspacing i would need for the wheels. i know the 8.8 is 6\" wider but what about the 10 bolt? any advise or opions is more than helpful. smooth http://www.s10v8.com/images/smilies/icon_confused.gif

[adh383]

I think I would fix the 8.5--- with the right stuff in it --- it should live. you have to narrow 8.8 to get tires under fenders--plus you have to buy axles when u narrow 8.8----but you can get axles with gm pattern for 8.8 ford

[afghanimobilerawks]

since i got a question along similar lines........ i guess i\'ll ask it in here...... is it possible to use parts from a later 8.5\" in the earlier housing (swapping out the GM posi for a new one with the right spline count for the newer axles.......)? then i\'d jsut get the housing narrowed to the width needed for the s10 shafts....

[mzoomora]

The ZR2 rear will be wider also. It is 4\" wider than a regular 4x4 rear, and 8\" (4\" per side) than a 2wd rear.

[1FastBlack1]

and just for the record. A stock 7.5 10 bolt will need a 4.5\" backspacing to fit perfectly normal. Thats with a 8\" wide wheel. Just some extra info for ya.

[mzoomora]

I used 3.75 BS on mine and they looked real good and were just inside the fenders. I run 5\" BS now and wish I had stayed around 4.

[smoothdime]

so wheels with enough backspacing are gonna be next to impossible to find unless they are ment to fit like a forth gen camaro. any ideas on who makes wheels with major offset? has anyone had any previous experience with mini spools in the 8.5\" 10 bolts. thinking about gettin one to replace the posi until i get the money for full spool and new gears.

[1FastBlack1]

All i have is a 7.5 with a mini spool and 4.10\'s. Rebuilt it with all new bearings etc but ive had zero problems with it on the street.



low 1.60 60\' foot times.