S10 Rearend conversion

[Chevy51]

I originally started to put an S10 rearend under my 51 3/4 ton pickup. It ended up not being wide enough so I went with 1.25 spacers. I didn't do enough research. Now I found a 71 Camaro rearend, has anyone out there had any experience in what the width of the 71 Camaro would be?

[raycow]

Your stock 51 rear should be about 62" over the drums. I'm thinking a 2nd gen Camaro rear could be close, but it would be best to measure it before you lay down your money.

Ray

[lazypineapple]

heres a link to info on GM diffs
http://www.novaresource.org/axle.htm

I have 1976 10 bolt under my 1952 , 60 1/4" drum to drum,
there is only enough for about 3 3/4" back spacing on the wheel.
spring perch needs 1.5" set back mod to center up in the wheel well.

[rhodog77]

chevy51,

were there any issues with the spacers. Just curious why your moving to something else

[Chevy51]

Thanks,everyone for the info, I appreciate all of your input. Again Thanks

[Chevy51]

I almost forgot about the spacers,no problem,as of now. We are waiting until we get the shock mounts on the housing then align everything,and see if we need the spacers,or not. I am no mechanic,a friend of mine is doing all the welding, and alterations. The wheels I have are 4.25 back spacing, and with the 1.25 spacers will allow me at least 61" overall. Thanks

[63 & 64 Bowties]

This is my 54 that I sold a while back with a Camaro front clip and rear-end.

[Chevy51]

Thanks,I appreciate the info,trying to watch the budget. We are going to see how this S10 rearend is going to work for us right now. Happy Holidays

[Dan Bowles]

S10s are too narrow no matter what you do. 4x2 are way too narrow and 4x4 are still too narrow. The Camaro should be just right. Spacers can be OK (we are running 2" on my son's 54 with a 4x4 S10) but I don't trust them. I know a guy who lost a wheel when the spacer came loose. Not worth it to me when you can land a Camaro rear end.

[Chevy51]

Thanks,Dan I know what you are talking about, you definitely want to keep an eye on the lug nuts. I carry a 4way lug bolt wrench with me at all times. I don't know if that was the case with the guy loosing a wheel or not? I would probably be a little nervous with the 2" spacers. I haven't tried the spacers yet. I am definitely keeping the Camaro rearend in mind. I have already talked to a guy that has a 71 Camaro for sale. Funds are a little tight now. Retired (USAF) MSgt. And old enought to draw my SS.

[Arkansas50's]

The biggest thing to watch out with on spacers is what its made of. It needs to be machined (not cast) out of solid billet 6061 T6 aluminum. Anything less will cause you grief.

[Chevy51]

Thanks,Arkansas50's those spacers are machined out of the exact aluminum billet that you mentioned. I purchased them from JEGS,out of Columbus, Ohio. They are not cheapies, by no means. Thanks for your advice.

[Chevy51]

LazyPineapple, thought I would let you know the website you referenced, is great information on rear end applications. I highly recommend that to anyone involved in rear end swaps,Thanks

[Arkansas50's]

I for to mention, some manufacturers recomend thread locker and some don't. Use it if they do.