Okay here's the deal. I'm learning as I build. Had a rolling frame put togeather for me a couple of years ago. Used rear end. Getting to the point of the build that I'm rebuilding the brakes. Did a little research on here, and other sites, and it turns out it is probably an s10 10 bolt 7.5 rear end, 83-91'. After seeing alot of opinions it seems the racers think it's junk, some people say it is fine for streets. I know now that it would have been better to get a stronger rear end. Here's where I'm at though, rear end modified 4 link and coil over mounts. Would hate to go backwards on the build. I have a mild build 350 wiith 350 trans. Project is a 38 fenderless, hoodless chopped 38 ford PU, probably wieghs around 2,500 at a guess. I have coker cheater slicks on it now. Slicks came up once or twice in posts as not being a good idea, I just got them for the looks. Not drivable just yet. Sorry for the long opening. Question, for normal driving/cruising, no racing, will it be strong enough? If you read all this thanks!
as long as it spins it'll be ok, but if that 7.5 ever tries to hook under a lot of torque, it'll break.
IMO, as long as it does NOT hook up very well it might ok. I've got 8.5 in my 55 with a decent built small block and building a stronger one now and I'm not real sure it will hold up. Remember it's better to have them spin than to hook and break stuff
Okay, so if I drive normal, don't do burn outs, it probably won't hook up enough to worry about, even with the surface traction of the cheater slicks?
Drive it however you want, if it breaks put an Auburn center section in it. Been doing burnouts for 7 years on mine, and it does hookup pretty good!
I like the Eaton Performance posi diffs a lot better than Auburn. S-10 axles can have 26 or 28 splines. Carrier design split at 3.08 and taller, 3.23 and deeper. Eaton doesn't offer a posi for the faster ratios.
i have smoked one and my buddy smoked one, there okay usually but if u hammer it usually something in the diff will nuke, the nine inches have more aftermarket behind them same fun stuff happens to them stock
They are stronger than most people think. The axles are the weak point, 26 spline car and 28 spline truck. They definately don't like doin the 1 tire fire (no diff does). Put a posi in it and drive it like you stole it......
Hey Ken, how you been? Still working on getting on the road so I can head down to Ramona someday, love the drive across hidden valley. Are you guys still meeting up on the weekends?
when i got ready to rechassis a 46 stude pu we talked s 10 - i've had a repair shop for the last 18 years and never replaced a s10 rearend - ever- and have almost never had to do front suspension work either. my buddy has a repair shop also and as we talked about how many we had repaired - he says he has not replaced any used for street use. i think if your under 500hp with cheaters you will be fine.
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