Are all GM 8.5\'s the same??

[Trickten327]

I know that I have an 8.5\" 10 bolt in my 99\' chevy fullsize (C/K body style). Aside from the obvious difference in length and bolt pattern, is it the same 8.5\" rear end that came in the SS S-10\'s? If so, can I just pick one up at a salvage yard, have the tubes shortened and just order a set of S-10 8.5\" axles to fit, or is this another beast entirely??? Thanks!!! http://www.s10v8.com/images/smilies/icon_confused.gif

[Trickten327]

Well, I did something I should have done in the first place; called a drivetrain shop. They told me that the Chevy full size had 10 bolt 8.5\" rear ends since 1990, but they were all 30 spline. S-10\'s are either a 26 or a 28. (1988 was the cut off year). I think that I\'d have better luck finding a 7.625\" rear end.

[knudsonm]

I have 7.625 open diff rear w/ 4.10 gears out of a 2wd \'90 Blazer. I needs to be rebuilt but it\'s cheap.



I also have a rear out of a \'78 RS Camaro. (3.08posi) would need to be cut down and rebuilt and new perches welded on but it is a bunch stronger than the 7.625. Also cheap

[ZZ4Blazer]

The 8.5\'s in the s-series are a 30 spline. If your gonna cut an axle down, you might as well do something stronger than an 8.5