Projects How narrow can I go?

I get that vibe, but unless he finds an axle that looks the part, it will be a swing and a miss.

An axle that looks the part will void any notion of keeping this thing on a budget.

 

I wonder how wide the 3rd gen axle is?
My T is running a 2nd gen Trans Am axle and looks fine.
I'm thinking he will be running tall tires and wheels with 0 offset.

Could always narrow and use the S10 axles...but...no welding allowed! (Like thats gonna work out...LoL)
I had no idea those 8.5's showed up in S10's!
I've had a couple of 4 doors with the 4.3 and no 8.5. Weird, as thats a heavy combo with decent power and low range as well.

He's apparently stuck with the axle regardless...but I still think double cantilever will fit the bill better than round tube and heim joints. He seems to be on a budget as well, so a couple of used springs might be easier to find for him.
Still...whatever he does will mean breaking out the welder and that might be the biggest issue of all.

 

Well apparently I was told wrong about my rear.

Looks like a 7.5 rear end.

Looked on the tube and found what looks like a UT9????

 

That does appear to be a 7.5.

 

How much power are you planning on running (what engine)?

 

300 six with 3 speed behind it.

 

How tall a tire?

 

Those have been known for a decent amount of low-end torque, more if you bolt on some speedy goodies.

I would not put that 7.5 behind one.

 

The 3rd gen F-body axle is a full 7-1/2" wider than the 2wd S10 axle (54-1/2" vs. 62").

 

19" 1929 Chevy wheels.

 

Very cool. Now you need a 6-lug axle.

 

They are probably going to get redrilled or the axle will be.

 

Safer to re-drill the axle.

 

Large diameter wheels and tires increasing strain on small axles.
High torque six thru a standard trans.
Gotta redrill the axles or buy adapters to make things work.
Little 7.5 rearend to start with.
I'd like to know the track width of the original rearend (WMS to WMS) and the rearend you plan to use as well.

My opinion...go find a rearend that fits the build...not just one you think is a deal...because this deal for an 8.5 that turned into a 7.5 wasn't.

You need to do your homework...make a plan...and stick with it.
You don't just need a rearend.
You need a rearend that will work with your project and work with it simply, or you're just tossing money and effort to the wind.

 

My Jaguar MK2 is similar, springs mounted solid(no shackle)under the axle with two radius rods on top.
I removed the brackets and placed them on my later rear end.

 

Original rear is 54" hub to hub.