Which rear end?

[a5Ben]

I want to replace the stock rear end on my 49 3/4ton to mainly get rid of the 8 lug hubs but also to prepare for a front end swap.

What rear end will give me:

1. a 5 lug hub, doesn't need to be disc,
2. be wide enough to not need spacers
3. Not be too wide that it needs to be shortened


In working on the truck yesterday it's pretty obvious that the whole brake system needs to be rebuilt. I'm thinking it's probably better to spend the money on the suspension changes first so I'm not throwing money away.

Thanks!
Ben

[allenp84]

Hey Ben, basically a standard 4x4 S10 rearend is what you need. Don't get one out of a ZR2 (too wide) or a 2wd (too short). Also if you get it out of a newer blazer/Jimmy it will have disc brakes and it may be limited slip.

[raycow]

You can also use a 68-up Nova or 1st gen Camaro rear. These are somewhat stronger than the S-10 7.5" rear, but it really matters only if you plan to thrash the truck. Keep in mind that all of these have a 5 on 4-3/4" bolt pattern, so choose your front discs accordingly.

Ray

[mobileortho]

I initially used a 10 bolt from a Chevy ll on my '50 3600 but just recently changed to a mid 70's Camaro and added disc's from a 98-02 LT1 and 18 x 10 torq thrust ll's. The Camaro is 4" wider than the Nova and I didn't have to use the 2" spacers I'd been using.

[raycow]

Ahhh - you were going for the wheels flush with the fenders look. I was talking about matching the stock width.

Nice job on the tank, btw.

Ray

[Atomsplitter]

Hey Mobile
Is that angle iron your rear shocks are mounted to?
Does it deflect much or is it distorted at all?

[NONHOG]

Somethings up with Stovebolt today. Normally they have a good list of axle choices. http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/
Maybe try tomorrow ?
I am going with a 69 F100 9 " that has a width real close to stock.

[mobileortho]

Originally Posted by Atomsplitter

Hey Mobile
Is that angle iron your rear shocks are mounted to?
Does it deflect much or is it distorted at all?

It is. That pic is after the initial install. I've been playing around with it since then and added a second piece on the opposite side for reinforcement. I have a much thicker piece of that I was going to use but as of now it serves its purpose, haven't had any issues with it thus far.

[355bullet]

Will a 1986 Camaro/firebird disc brake rear axle fit?
Just wondering, cuz ive had one sitting around for years.

[mr48chev]

I have a mid 70's Nova/Camaro drum brake 10 bolt in mine with 15x8 rear wheels with 255x60 tires and I have about a half inch of tire clearance from the bed and a bit more at the fenders.

I have run these rear ends in the past.

61 Chev full size car. Had to cut off a lot of brackets but it fit really well and the 15x7 Rally wheels fit the truck good on it.

65 Impala 12 bolt. Again this one takes a lot of cutting to get the brackets off of it and it may have been a bit on the wide side but it was free.

A lot of it depends on what wheels and tires you intend to run and how well you want them to fit in the wheel well. I'm pretty anal about that and spend a lot of effort to get it right.

Most guys are running spacers with the two wheel drive S-10 rear ends to get the tires out in the wheel wells where they belong. Some who use the S-10 Chassis switch to the 4x4 rear end which is wider and doesn't need the spacers.

[nikwho]

I thought that this might help:
http://www.carnut.com/specs/rear.html