S-10 rearend in a 1st-2nd gen. ?

:D:DHas any one done this? How did it work out? Getting ready to install a heidts 4 link in my 66 and thought I would use an s10 rearend because it's narrower. I want to put a 16x8 on the back. Any thoughts?

Short version: yes, it's about the right width...no, it's not very strong.

It'll be behind a 6, so maybe it'll hold up:D

Probably, but...why go to all the trouble of a 4-link then?:confused::confused:

I'm going more for handling than straightline. It also looks trick. But the 6 I'll be running eventually will not be stock. But it wont be nothing radical.

Yes It will work. I have one out of a 2001 4x4 s10 with heavy duty option 3.42 posi disc brakes with a 8.5 ring&pinion. is 54" from wheel mounting to wheel mounting. I'm also using a heidts 4 link. Haven't worked out wheel offsets yet. The rears also come in 3.73 and a wider 59" version.
HTH
Bob G.

sorry - won't let me post pics

this was taken during my mock up stages the rear end is out of a 85 s15

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w84/stephenzone/63%20beaumont%20wagon/070905beaumonts15rearendmockup035.jpg

4X4 S10 rears are wider then 2 wheel drive.I had an L82,700R4 with 411's in a stock S10 rear for 100K (miles) and the rear and truck had 400K when I was done with it,never broke.4cylinder S10 came with 411's.I don't think they can take much more then 300 hp though.

Don't under estimate the strength of the old S-10 rear ends. Unless you are into seriously abusing your ride, the S-10 rear end will hold a substantial amount of horsepower and torque. I've built several V8 S-10's in the past and run the stock 3.73 and 2.73 rear ends. The first engine pushed out 365HP. The second had a whipple blown 350 pushing out over 425HP. Never blew up a rear end and I was known to "have a little fun" way to often. My only suggestion is not to try to use it in a setup with racing slicks, that's just asking for something to break..... Hopefully I can afford to put the blown motor in my 65 :D