10 bolt rear end

[Matt_50]

Ok guys I need a little help. At the very least I need to be pointed in the right direction. When I try to Google different 10 bolts I pull up a lot of how to identify or hot rod articles.

First off...7.5s were in cars and small trucks right? I have an 84 c10 2 wheel drive long bed. 10 bolts around the cover and the two lugs at 7 and 5 clock. This would be the 8.5 right?

My main question...what is the difference in the rear ends? I'm stripping the 84 for parts.. I want to use the rear end. I'm being told I need a 10 bolt from something like a camaro to get the right width. Or I'm told to find a 4x4 rear end. I'm shooting for roughly 60"s WMS. The 84 c10 measures 64 with drums on. Is it possible to shorten the width somehow?

I thought all these rear ends were the same as far as housing... is the width difference from the brakes or axles? Was the 10 bolt made in various lengths? I'm told that if it's the 8.5 then I have a good rear end and would like to make it work.

Thanks

[Keith Seymore]

An 84 C10 would have an 8.5" ring gear 10 bolt axle from the factory.

It will have a 5 hole x 5" bolt circle pattern using 1/2" studs. (Passenger cars like Camaro and Chevelle use a 5 hole 4.75" bolt circle with 7/16" studs).

It is a good axle when properly prepped. I have been using the original 8.5" ring gear 10 bolt in my Chevelle for almost 40 years, with as much as 1000 Hp going through it. Production housing, welded tubes, with Mark Williams spools, axles and c clip eliminators.

You can shorten the tubes/axles if you wish (or have it professionally done). I didn't exactly follow what this axle is going in but I would recommend you mock it up with the correct tires and wheels before cutting.

K

[Matt_50]

Im t looking to make a hotrod. I just want to get rid of the torque tube rear end in my 50 chevy 3100. I was told I could use a 10 bolt but it needed to be from certain vehicles to have the right width. If it does stick out some I would probably be ok with it except I'm worried about the tire rubbing.

So I have a 10 bolt

I'm told I can use a 10 bolt, but only certain ones...why?

I was under the impression all the 10 bolt rear ends were the same in size. Length, width, diameter....im learning here...

Are the housing all the same or are there different sized 10 bolt housings? Could I swap the c10 rear brakes out with that of a car to reduce width or does a car have a smaller 10 bolt housing in general?

Lol I thought all these cars and trucks had the same housing with just different in sides and brakes on them.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by Matt 50

I'm told I can use a 10 bolt, but only certain ones...why?

Not the same; there are different ring gear diameters within the 10 bolt rear family.

You want the 8.5" ring gear, not one of the smaller ones (like from a late F car or 78 up Monte Carlo/Chevelle).

Originally Posted by Matt 50

Could I swap the c10 rear brakes out with that of a car to reduce width

No - the brakes don't have much to do with it in this case, since the drum slips over the axle flange, which determines the width of the axle.

Originally Posted by Matt 50

or does a car have a smaller 10 bolt housing in general?

Yes - if is a 7.5" ring gear 10 bolt then the center section is smaller (and the width is whatever was required for the original application).

Originally Posted by Matt 50

I was under the impression all the 10 bolt rear ends were the same in size. Length, width, diameter....im learning here...

Of course not....

(lol)

K

[Matt_50]

I think I'm getting it. So for example though. When ive been told to use an s10 rear end or a camaro rear end.. its most likely a 7.5. Therefore not as wide. I've also been told a 4x4 10 bolt would work, that they are not as wide mine. Why? I would think a 4x4 would not be a 7.5..

And so a 8.5 can't be changed to a 7.5 or 8.2 and vice versa right? That's where the difference in width is? From the size of the different center sections?

[Desert1957]

The reason they are telling you to use an S10 4X4 rear diff is.

1. its the perfect width for a 47-54 AD 3100 truck
2. it usually has the G80 locker with the rear ratio you want already in it.
3. it comes with rear disc brakes and a parking brake setup
4. its reasonably cheap at most junk yards

[mongocanfly]

be advised though that a standard s10 4x4 and a zr2 have different rears...also the zr2 has the g80 locker with 3.73s and disc brakes..and its 3" wider..maybe thisll help a little.....http://www.lsxharness.com/336816530

[Desert1957]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

be advised though that a standard s10 4x4 and a zr2 have different rears...also the zr2 has the g80 locker with 3.73s and disc brakes..and its 3" wider..maybe thisll help a little.....http://www.lsxharness.com/336816530

Good link, I personally like the 3" wider part. means no wheel spacers.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by Matt_50

And so a 8.5 can't be changed to a 7.5 or 8.2 and vice versa right?

Right. That's inherent in the design. The center housing is cast to accommodate the design intent ring gear diameter.

Originally Posted by Matt_50

That's where the difference in width is? From the size of the different center sections?

No - the difference is in the tubes and axle shafts. A manufacturer can make those as long or as short as they want (within limits).

K

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

...also the zr2 has the g80 locker with 3.73s and disc brakes..and its 3" wider..

When those first came out the working name within engineering was "High/Wider".

K

[Matt_50]

Thanks guys. I think I have a better understanding of the 10 bolt and rear ends in general now.