On diss***embly I measured flange to flange on the original rear, I got just over 32". This rear is a 6 bolt, as per original. I have a 1991 Gmc as a part's truck, as far as the drivetrain goes anyway. '91 comes with a 160,000 KM, close to 100,000 miles, engine and ****** combo, rear ratio is 3.71:1 truck was set up and used as a hauling rig from original purchase. Yes I know the original owner and the entire history of the truck. Before getting into thing's too fat I bought a S10 rear, 4X4 width to use in the truck or or my '53 210. Ratio on that reat is 3.73:1. I'm not current on tire back spacing or what the "best" rear would be. I have as yet to measure the rear of the '91, and figure to measure, beyond actual axle flange to axle flange, but just measure tire ID and tire OD, hopefully it eill fit. Anyone done this type of retro fit? While I have some of your attention, totally ******** guy's may wish to turn away at this point, I'm mixed as to runing the original TBI and ******* around with the electronics or fittng in a manifold and carb ***embly. Before you answer, I do have the entire "donor" truck it drives and everything work's........except the A/C, condenser got a little mangled in the accident. So gent's am I worthy of your input? BTW I am a firm believer n knockin it out as opposed to buying some I hope it fits repop.
Best thing to do is to get the tires/wheels you want to run, and measure how wide the truck is back there...whatever is the widest point between the wheels (springs or bed sides), add that to the wheel backspacing (times two) add some clearance (an inch or two total) and that's what minimum rearend width you need....but also measure the distance between the fender lips, and do the math for the maximum width. My guess is the late model is too wide, and the S10 is too narrow.
***uming you can find one and that it's priced reasonable, they sure don't grow on trees anymore. Seems to me the S10 4x4 is a close fit, with new perches it's about the best fit for your car, but enough guys put the AD trucks on S10 frames they must work pretty well on those also. Second gen Camaro is another choice that fits both cars, although they're just wide enough you may not be able to run skirts on the '53. I believe the S10 4x4 is 59" and a second gen Camaro is 61.5"; the 1/2 ton pickup is going to be still wider.
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