s-10 8.5 rear

[bobcat68]

Trying to find some info on s-10 rear ends. I read that the 8.5 are pretty stout. Im looking for a budget rear for my 71 nova that Im building. If Im correct many of the s-10's came with 3.42 posi. That would be much better that the 3.08's stocker I have know. I know there are better rears out there but I need something cost affective for now. Plus the motor will only be around 400 to 450 at best for hp/tq

[Samckitt]

I don't know much about the S10 rears, but I thought they came with either 7.5 or 7 5/8" rears?

[bobcat68]

Not really sure myself . I forget where i came up with the 8.5 in them. I may have the source for the 8.5 mixed up? I guess thats what Im trying to do confirm Im looking for the right parts.

[Mglover9558]

1998 up s10 blazer with v6 and 5 speed usually came with 8.5" 10 bolt. 2wd measures 48" backing plate to backing plate. 4wd measures either 52" or 53" and the zr2 model is 55" i think.

[Mglover9558]

And they have 30 spline axles just like a stock 12 bolt. And the 8.5" ring gear is just a bit smaller than the 12 bolt at 8.875" so theres not much difference there. They have 2-3/4 axle tubes.

[rentedmule]

The '98 up 2wd blazers also came with rear discs. The measurements I've seen for the stock 8.5s are little wider than those posted above. 2wd is about 54-54.5, 4x4 is about 58-59 & ZR2s are about 60-61. IMHO the stock LSD is better than an open diff but it's not great for auto-X. It won't lock consistently so it often ends up acting like an open diff.

[Yoda4561]

Stock S10 LSD's are govlocs, basically a low speed locker that disengages once the vehicle gets over something like 20 mph. It's just there to help initial traction when towing on slick surfaces. If it's not engaged it's just an open differential. They're also not very tolerant of performance driving, they'll break. You'll want to use a different LSD for performance apps.

[Randy67]

How about using a 71-81 Camaro/Firebird 8.5" 10-bolt instead? They are readily available since even base V6 cars had them. It is a bit wider than your stock axle so that could be an issue, depending on what wheels you have. Just another option.

[bobcat68]

Thanks for the info, I didn't now about the LSD's being a govloc? Im mini tubbing the car now. The wheel option is wide open.I will have to look into the 71 to 81 f bodys hadn't thought of those. I've seen some nova's with later model corvette wheels. I think they look pretty good and you can find them for a reasonable amount. At least thats what Im thinking at this time.