Ok all you veterans here's my set up. A 49 chevy 5 window on a 118" wheel base s10 frame that has air ride. I have an ls1 from an 02 camaro and a 6 spd that will be in it also. I have been told I need a 60-61 inch width rear end. What rear ends are available preferably at pic and pulls that will hold the power of a stock ls1 and is around that width? I would like to be running a 9 inch wide tire if that matters. Also I'm not 100% but I believe a 3:42 gear is what I need with a 6spd. But like I said I'm not sure please help me out all advise us welcome thanks and peace
Ok Il defiantly try the 3:42 any suggestions on what donor vehicles to look for one in with a 60-61 width?? I found a great deal on a 99 trans am rear end with this gear but its 65.5 and I don't believe it will work
Come on over to the A-D Truckers social group here on the HAMB. There is a lot of folks there that has done the S-10 frame deal.
Sorry to be a newbie but I'm still learning to navigate this site. How do I get to the AD truckers social group on here??
either an 8.5 rear from an 4x4 s-10 or the axle that came with the camaro a 7.5 will work but its weaker edit: you can find the 8.5 in some 4x4 s-10s, camaros with a v-8 and early monte carlos, they are all about 60 inchs wide. gears very, check the code in the glove box Godspeed MrC.
The 8.8 rear out of a 2000-01 Ford Exploder would work for you. They are 61" and come with disk brakes and most are posi either 3.43 or 3.73. Yards around Houston get $200 or less for the complete ***embly. It is strong enough to handle your needs and parts are available and cheap.
Nice! Thanks for the help I will be headed to the pick n pull this weekend. Do you happen to know the stamped on codes for eather the s10 8.5 or the 8.8 explorer for a posi unit?
Awesome thanks for the info, so if I go with the explorer rear end will I have to get some kind of lug conversion to match my stock s10 front lugs??
Yeah, or just wheels that fit the ford pattern. The 8.8 has an id tag hanging off the cover bolts. There are 2 tags normally. One of the tags will have the ratio, like 4:10, or 3:73 then it will have a "T" after the ratio. The "T" stands for trac-loc, or posi. No "T" and it isn't a posi. Good luck.
When you look at the exploder rear ends they most still have a metal tag attached to one of the diff cover bolts. The gear ratio and if its a posi will be listed on that. Its maybe an inch by 2.5 inch with stampings. The ratio will be split apart and if it's a posi it will have an L between the numbers such as 3 L 73 which would indicate a 3.73 with Limited (Slip). Lots have the limited slip so don't bother buying the first one you see if it doesn't, cause the next one will.
Kool kool after doing some general searching I'm defiantly going with the explorer 8.8 is there any where else to check for the axle codes besides on the metal tags attached to the cover bolts? Also is there any automatic red flags to look for if I find more then one Saturday at the pick and pull and am trying to decide which one to buy??
Sure, pull the cover and count the teeth. That's the other way to check the ratio. Look at the tag- it's the easy way.. Pre 96 (I think) had drum brakes, 96 up are disk. The first red flag would be if the Exploder had been Tboned on the wheel, that's what we call a leverite. Leverite where you found it.
Incorrect. The "L" is the letter and it means "limited slip". Not to slpit hairs but its 59 1/2 wide. No such 3.43, but has 3.55/3.73/ or 4.10 available. Important when planning.
A second gen Camaro (that means 70-81) is about 61 wide, has the same bolt pattern as your front. It will be a 8.5 10-bolt and will hold up to the power without trouble. Ratios vary and some are limited slip. Also should have a tag on the back cover with the ratio if not removed.
Not to slpit hairs but its 59 1/2 wide. No such 3.43, but has 3.55/3.73/ or 4.10 available. Important when planning.[/QUOTE] So for every day street driving with a 6spd ****** would you go with a 3:55 or a 3:73? Thanks for the help
What height tire? With a double overdrive i'd go with the 3.73 or 4.10 - but hell, I run those ratios without OD.....There are calculators online to help calculate RPM at given speeds - you will need tire height and final drive ratio as well as what RPM you would like to cruise at...
So for every day street driving with a 6spd ****** would you go with a 3:55 or a 3:73? Thanks for the help[/QUOTE] I'm using the 3.73, good cruising rpm,quick off line. Most common one anyway.
Sounds good il prob just try the 3:73 and see what happens because I have yet to purchase my wheels and tires but I'm sure I would like to go with a 20" wheel. Again thanks for all the help guys
For anyone who may use this thread for info later here is a 3:73 posi ford explorer tag that's located on one of the cover bolts. You can't see the 3 very well but it's infront of the l 73 I payed $200 from my local pick and pull and my only tip from this experience is call you pick and pull and ask if torches are allowed. If not bring a batterie powered saw saw. Mine recently stopped allowing them and it made my job a lot harder since i only brought the torches, still not bad for the money.
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