Rear End. Will this work?

[Prempt]

I managed to get a 350/trans from a friend for free so I am looking into putting it into my '88 S-10. I have been doing a lot of research into everything I will need for the conversion. We have a 1989 Chrysler 5th Avenue with a 318 that is pretty much mine for the taking. Can I use the rear axle off of this and put it onto my s-10? If not, what kind of rear end should I look into picking up from the junk yard for my truck? Also, if you guys can think of any parts off the 5th avenue that I can use for the conversion, let me know, thanks.

[busa_4]

save yourself the trouble and use gm parts only.

[Prempt]

Alright so I guess my concern is finding a rear end that can handle the V8 and one that will also match the width of my truck. Any ideas?

[OverBoardProject]

A friend of mine recently built a s-10 rear end in his race car up with aftermarket axles, and a comaro crown and pinion. He needed special aftermarket bearings for the conversion.

He basicly ran a stock s-10 rear end in his 10 sec vega 1/4 mile car for years without blowing it up by removing all the back lash... although he wouldn't recomend it for a daily driver.

If you can't find the parts required let me know and I'll ask him where he got everything from

[dugie6551]

I had an 87 S10 with a 350/350 combo and used the original 4cyl rearend. It worked great for everyday, highway driving and I even drag raced the truck for 2 years with that combinationon street tires. I did not have any problems.
The choice of rearend should be based on how you plan on driving the truck. Street, show or highway stick to the original rearend (just don't continuously stomp on it!!). If you plan on putting a "built" engine in it; go with a Ford 9 inch. No matter what "new" rearend you put in, you will have to have it shortened to fit the truck. So do't waste time or money on something that can't handle the future power.

[Prempt]

I found a 8.8 rear end with 3.08 gear and posi from a mustang but it is 3 3/8" wider on each side. Is it possible to modify (cut and re weld) the axles to fit under my truck? I am assuming this is what you mean by shortening it, or are you refering to get custom built axles to fit the differential but also the correct width for my truck?

[OverBoardProject]

Welding the axle won't be strong enough. Your best bet is to do some research into which axles will be the right size for your truck. They used the same rear end in most of their later model rear wheel drive cars and 1/2 tons.

Look for a wrecked first generation ford Bronco, they were narrow, and might just fit right in

[Prempt]

I found a place the does custom axles to fit any spline, made to width and bolt pattern specifications. They are 300/set so I think I will go with that and use the 8.8 differential unit.

[STOVE BOLT]

Originally Posted by Prempt

I managed to get a 350/trans from a friend for free so I am looking into putting it into my '88 S-10. I have been doing a lot of research into everything I will need for the conversion. We have a 1989 Chrysler 5th Avenue with a 318 that is pretty much mine for the taking. Can I use the rear axle off of this and put it onto my s-10? If not, what kind of rear end should I look into picking up from the junk yard for my truck? Also, if you guys can think of any parts off the 5th avenue that I can use for the conversion, let me know, thanks.

NOPE. 1989 CHRYSLER IS A FRONT WHEEL DRIVE.