Chev. S-10 Rear end information needed???

I am thinking of replacing my rearend with a Chevy S-10. My question is I know the 2 wheel drive units will work. I have a line on one out of a 4X4 are these rear ends the same as the 2 wheelers? Thanks in advance. Larry

 

They are wider.Don't know how much though.

 

Yes, they are wider...My understanding is they are stronger too

 

The standard 4wd rear is 1 inch overall wider and a ZL2 rear is 2 inches wider than a 2wd rear. The ZL2 rear has an 8 1/2 inch ring gear which is quite stronger than the standard 7 1/4 gear.

 

about 4 inches wider at wheel mounting surface.

 

2wd rearends should measure close to 54 1/4" wide at the wheel flanges and 4wd rearends should measure close to 59" wide at the wheel flanges.
Somewhere around 1989 the transtion was made from 26 to 28 spline count on the axle shafts. This won't make up from a small pinion and small ring gear diff if you really need something stronger.
Only other rearend close to this in width and better strength in this age of a GM car would be the few 8.5" 28 spline diffs from some of the Monte Carlo SS cars and the small offering in the Olds line. 3.73 gear, posi. Don't count on all Monte SS cars having this larger ring gear rearend.

 

i've got a 95 S10 4x4 in my 50.... it measures right at 60", backing plate to backing plate.... 2x4 rears are usually too narrow for our applications @ about 54"..

 

Thanks, But the 54" is what I need for my appication.

Thanks Guys, I got the information that I needed, as per normal, courtesy of the HAMB !!!!!!!