S-10 rear axle

[J-Ri]

We had a snow storm a few months ago, and I took my S-10 out to have some fun in the snow. Had a little bit too much fun... took 'er into a curb (sideways), followed immediately by a tree (also sideways). Either the curb or the tree bent the right rear axleshaft (but the wheel is straight, don't make sense to me). I went to a couple salvage yards, and all they can look the part up by is make and model (no 4x4 options, engine size... anythign else)

My S-10 is a 91 4.3L 4x2. There are two options for the ring gear: 7 5/8 and 7 1/2. I assume that the bigger one is for the bigger engine, but you never know for sure. The only axle shaft I can find around here is the 7 5/8, and I don't wanna pull the rear end apart if I'm gonna have to put it back together around the bent part.

Does anyone know for sure what size ring gear is on a 1991 4x2 with the 262 ci. (4.3L) engine?

Thanks-
-Jason

[vtmecheng]

Call the parts department of a dealer and give them your VIN number. They can look up your truck and find out what you have. Good luck.

[rlith]

probably 7-5/8 Instead of getting a new rear, simply drop the pumpkin cover, pull the u clip for that axel, slide the axel out, and put a new one in. Overall for a newbie it will take about an hour..

[J-Ri]

Hey! I'm not a newbie, I have 2 stars which makes me an "AF Enthusiast" hehe

I am just going to replace the one axle shaft, but they use different ones for different ring gear sizes (26 and 28 spline). I went to a couple salvage yards and they only have the 26 spline axleshafts. I don't wanna pull it open to measure the ring gear because I'd have to do it in my garage at home, and I don't wanna make my mom and dad park in the driveway overnight if I can't find the right used one right away.