Rear end question

[1985Chevycutlass]

Can anyone tell me what mods are needed to use a Chevy s-10 rear end in my cutlass? Im trying to put more power to the ground and the 7.5/2.14 combo is just not doing it. I dont have the money for an 8.5" or any aftermarket axles.My local U-pull-it has quite a few s10's so I was wondering if it would be cheaper to use one of those. All advice welcome.

 

[patmckinneyracing]

Well I'm sure some people are going to chime in right after me cause I think we just got done talking about this on another post. I don't know the specifics but here some basic:

1.)I don't think they're the same width if you correct it to the g body width, you'll need new axle
2.)I think the S10 rear is a leaf spring setup, therefore it cannot be used because it doesn't have the ears cast in at the top of the housing for the upper control arms.

 

[85montemj]

yeah the leaf springs won't work. i'm pretty sure some or most s10's have 3.08's in them anyways, not as much power gain as 3.23, 3.42, or 3.73's. why not buy a 7.5" ring and pinion set with a higher ratio from summit or jegs? or possibly another 7.5" gbody rear off of craigslist. i picked one up for $50. i found this helpful: http://www.wallaceracing.com/reargear.htm

 

[1985Chevycutlass]

Thanks for all the responses but I happened to stumble on a gn 8.5 a few hours after posting this 😀 . Will it bolt up without any mods?

 

[supercrackerbox]

You'll need a shorter driveshaft, but otherwise it's a bolt-in.