Total rear axle replacement??

[redhot55]

Hello folks,
I am looking for input on a matter that has been rolling around in my mind for a while, and that is do I put a completely different rear end or maintain and update my original rear to posi. I have a 55 210 Club Coupe. I am wanting to drive this car to car shows and cruz, but am concerned about reliability of the original unit. I have been told to put in a newer style S-10 rear and have no worries. I am also wanting to update to Posi-traction. INPUT!!??

[orangecrush]

welcome, I have been running an s-10 rear end in my 55 for about 5years. I put a rear cover that reinforces the bearing caps , and allows you to run stiffener rods to the axle tubes. I haven't had and problems , but I "try "to keep the burnouts to a minimum. There are two different length S-10 rear ends ,so be careful which one you buy . Carlg :)

[redhot55]

What year and length did you install in your 55?

[orangecrush]

I installed the shorter one ,but my car has mini tubs, and a four link. I can't remember if its the two , our the four wheel drive thats shorter . I can fit the small mickey thompson tires under my wheelwells. Here is a picture fo the rear end cover , although its for a 12 bolt you can get the idea. Carl

[redhot55]

Thanks for the info! Nice looking 55!

[MikeKy55]

It depends on how much motor is in front of the rear end. Keep in mind the stock cofiguration rear came in the early 60's muscle cars like Super Sports with 409 4speed.
The original rear is 60" from wheel mounting surface to wheel mounting surface. Of course you can use something a little different length if you use the correct offset wheels.

[ih8rice]

Mike, its important to note that the rears behind the 409s where posi's that where stronger than the open rears. After you take care of putting a posi unit in, you can look forward to breaking axles. If you drive it like you should :D

[MikeKy55]

Point well taken, thanks! "Drive it like you stole it"

[thehazmatguy]

I don't know how you guys feel about other brand rear ends....

Have you considered a 8.8 ford out of a 95 up Explorer?

It's a very popular budget rear end for all kinds of swaps. They typically sell for $350, and have 31 spline axles and disc brakes with e-brake provisions. The best part is they are 59 3/4 inches wide, and almost always have 3.73 gearing with limited slip (traction lok). It's supposed to be a strong rear end too.

The only downside would be getting the axles and rotors re-drilled for a chevy bolt pattern.

There's all sorts of info out there for all kinds of swaps, here is one guys story that upgraded his S-10:

http://www.s10forum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2561028#post2561028

[MikeKy55]

Thats good info Rob, thanks. Post like these will help the members and visitors alike who like to read thru things without asking questions.

[thehazmatguy]

Thats good info Rob, thanks. Post like these will help the members and visitors alike who like to read thru things without asking questions.

I'm just trying to make up for my lame power steering questions... :)

[MikeKy55]

No such thing as a lame question, if you don't know the answer. I always say the only dumb question is the one not asked. There is no point in re-inventing the wheel if someone else has already been there.

[Project X]

i'm considering the same swap exp or s-10 but i feel you cant go wrong with the 8.8 for regular use. :gba:

[Carmine]

To me, an upgrade to another rear, would depend on my motor, trans. and driving habits. You didn't mention your drive train so I'm assuming its stock? I don't think you'd have a problem installing a stock or after market posi unit into the stock rear and having it be reliable. Then again, if you have a high horsepower/high torque motor with a manual trans. and like hole shots and banging the gears, the stock maynot be suitable. As someone already pointed out, this rear design from '55-'64, also found its way behind the '63 and '64 Chevy 409, 425 h.p. cars. I was a bit young to remember first hand then, but I don't recall hearing or reading about any rear end problems. I would also agree that there are stronger rears on the market today. Depends on your application.

[henrys57wagon]

I am using a 73 Ventura/ Nova 8.5 10 Bolt, 373- posi. I welded on new spring perches and air bag mounts. Merry Christmas.

[auggie56]

65' To 70' B body Mopar fit and are bullet proof. Now just find one is the problem.

[bowtie_nut]

I don't know how you guys feel about other brand rear ends....

Have you considered a 8.8 ford out of a 95 up Explorer?

It's a very popular budget rear end for all kinds of swaps. They typically sell for $350, and have 31 spline axles and disc brakes with e-brake provisions. The best part is they are 59 3/4 inches wide, and almost always have 3.73 gearing with limited slip (traction lok). It's supposed to be a strong rear end too.

The only downside would be getting the axles and rotors re-drilled for a chevy bolt pattern.

There's all sorts of info out there for all kinds of swaps, here is one guys story that upgraded his S-10:

http://www.s10forum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2561028#post2561028

I put the 8.8 in my 57. I shortened the drivers side and put a passenger side axle in it. The rear seems to be a pretty stout unit, and has disc brakes, and a 3.73 posi. I was at a junk yard yesterday and asked how much they wanted for an 8.8, and he said 150.00 with no core. Great deal on a rear end like that. Keith

[auggie56]

I put the 8.8 in my 57. I shortened the drivers side and put a passenger side axle in it. The rear seems to be a pretty stout unit, and has disc brakes, and a 3.73 posi. I was at a junk yard yesterday and asked how much they wanted for an 8.8, and he said 150.00 with no core. Great deal on a rear end like that. Keith

Keith, you do the shorting of the axle tube yourself. and how much do you have invested in your project ?

[bowtie_nut]

Auggie, with buying the rear end plus a passenger side axle, and seals, I have around 280.00 in it. I had a friend help me shorten the the housing, 2 15/16 to be exact, and it was easier than I thought it would be. When you are done, you have a rear end of about 56" wide. Keith