Help! Chev S 10 rearends don't measure up??

[4DSEVEN]

I have found two chevy s 10 rearends. They are from an 88 & 89.

I am told they measure 48" & 52" backing plate to backing plate.

From what I have read and searched it is my understanding that I need between 58-62".

I thought the S-10 rearend was good?

I haven't purchased one yet so I still have options.

Can someone shed some insight.

I have the link showing the various vehicles but am I looking at the wrong measurement using back plate to back plate?

[1LoC10]

not sure about first gen S10's...but the second gens are
2WD rear assemblies are 54.5" wide
4WD rear assemblies are 59" wide
ZR2 rear assemblies are 63" Wide

[iokua80]

For the s10 swap it is recommended to either run a 4wd s10 rear end cause it is wider than a 2wd. Or you can run a camaro rear end like I am. If you run a 2wd you'll have to tub the bed and do some other cutting that I'm not sure of. Best to make sure you are running a 4wd or camaro.
Later,
Josh

[4DSEVEN]

Originally Posted by 1LoC10

not sure about first gen S10's...but the second gens are
2WD rear assemblies are 54.5" wide
4WD rear assemblies are 59" wide
ZR2 rear assemblies are 63" Wide

Would you happen to know if this is backing plate to backing plate or drum to drum?

I'm thinking that maybe it is drum to drum? Then the one I have at 52" would likely fit. Yes? No?

Both of these are 4x4.

The truck is at my buddies shop otherwise I could just measure what's on it.

[entourageguy]

I think it's mounting surface to mounting surface.

[nickp51chevy]

what ever you do get the wider one. i just got my rear end (89 s10 4x4) and it is still not enough, I'm going to have to get wheel adapters also, but i also want to run a wider rear tire.

[4DSEVEN]

Originally Posted by nickp51chevy

what ever you do get the wider one. i just got my rear end (89 s10 4x4) and it is still not enough, I'm going to have to get wheel adapters also, but i also want to run a wider rear tire.

Nick would you happen to recall what the measurement was?

[63 & 64 Bowties]

I've got both 2wd & 4wd first gen S-10 rears if you need any measurements.

[4DSEVEN]

Ok the box width is 50" and my axle is 52. Does this mean I will have to tub the box? Or can I use spacers?

Also am I going to have a difficult time finding rims to fit?

Should I try to locate a wider axle?

Any help is appreciated.

[b00sted]

Originally Posted by 4DSEVEN

Ok the box width is 50" and my axle is 52. Does this mean I will have to tub the box? Or can I use spacers?

Also am I going to have a difficult time finding rims to fit?

Should I try to locate a wider axle?

Any help is appreciated.

I am going with the ford 8.8 axle in my truck out of the 95 and up explorer. 59" disk brakes, posi and 3:55 gears for a whopping $150 from the local scrap yard...

i am going to go with the ford pattern also ont he front rotors so everything will match...

If the rear end is to short you are going to have to back half the truck and move the frame rails in... Plus the wheel tubs...

[Thadious]

I've got the 4x4 rear setup in mine... and yes... it's 52" from the inside of the backing plate to the inside of the opposing one... so it ends up being about 59" or so from drum to drum mounting surface. The 2wd ones are 48" (inside measurements).

Cheers,
Ted.

[4DSEVEN]

Originally Posted by Thadious

I've got the 4x4 rear setup in mine... and yes... it's 52" from the inside of the backing plate to the inside of the opposing one... so it ends up being about 59" or so from drum to drum mounting surface. The 2wd ones are 48" (inside measurements).

Cheers,
Ted.

Ted, Did you end up tubbing your box or is an inch on each side ok?

Thanks.

Mark

[Thadious]

I haven't had the opportunity to fit a box to mine yet... just wanted to confirm the actual measurement sizes on the 4x4 rear. I just went out to the shop and measured the backingplate distance.

Cheers,
Ted.

[iokua80]

Originally Posted by 4DSEVEN

Ted, Did you end up tubbing your box or is an inch on each side ok?

Thanks.

Mark

I did end up having to put a small tub in because I had 20x8.5s. I think it's about an inch wide. I can take a pic of it if anyone wants to see it. Aired all the way out I rub on the outer fender too.

Later,
Josh

[4DSEVEN]

Josh if you take a pic that would be great. Also, did you make your own or buy your tubs?

Youngrodder had posted this link before and I may end up ordering from them.

http://dancarpenters.com/tubb.html

Mark

[IvelDesigns]

Originally Posted by 1LoC10

not sure about first gen S10's...but the second gens are
2WD rear assemblies are 54.5" wide
4WD rear assemblies are 59" wide
ZR2 rear assemblies are 63" Wide

Ok, so i started to think about this today, and found this thread. I've spent some time, and based on my measurements, this is what i've come up with.



This basically means that a 52" - 56" rear would work for me. This assumes i tub it to the frame rail and that wheels have a 5.5" backspace.

here are the tires that i'm estimating will work:


* used this site for the tire dimensions: http://www.wheelsmaster.com/rt_specs.jsp


Also, based on my calcs, with a stock setup (no tubs) you need the 59" rear, but can only run a 6" wide tire. This assumes 1" of space on both sides of your tire, on both sides of the truck.

uhg, my head hurts.

[nickp51chevy]

4dseven,
i haven't measured my axle. but i will and i'll get back with you on it. don't go cuttin' up your bed and frame yet. i'm not going to tub mine and i'm going to try to run 10" wheels. i'll take pic's and let you know what i end up doing.

[4DSEVEN]

I have gone ahead with the S 10 rearend and expect to have it in my posession this weekend.

From all the information I have read and through everyone's on going discussions I believe I am on the right track.

No plan to tub unless I have to, but will cross that bridge once I get there.

Thanks to everyone for their input.

[nickp51chevy]

my rear end looks to be 53" b/p to b/p. as you can see in the pic i just need to get a wheel spacer and I won't have to tub or cut anything.