Thread: S10 rear end in fendered '29 Model A?

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I didn't have much luck on a search, but I'm pretty sure that someone here can help me out. I'm building a full fendered '29 Model A roadster pickup and considering rear end options. The ones with the recommended 56"-"57 ('65-'66 Mustang and Maverick 8") wheel mounting to wheel mounting dimension are getting extremely scarce in my area. Is the 54" wide 2wd S10 rear too narrow? Anyone done this? Also, are both generations of S10 ('82-'93) and ('94-'04) rear ends the same width? Any other options? Strength isn't an issue as I'm running an anemic Mercury flathead.

Bob

this should help.
http://www.carnut.com/specs/rear.html

Originally Posted by HWORRELL

this should help.
http://www.carnut.com/specs/rear.html

Thanks. Lots of good info there. Would still like to hear from anyone that's done the swap. What backspace on wheels, how much clearance between bed sides and wheel, etc?

Bob

I've got an S10 rear in my T and it is really narrow. Had to order wheels with the maximum offset they could do to get the tires out enough to clear stuff. Don't know how it would work in an A frame as they are a little wider in the rear than mine.

Mine is a 2 wheel drive rear and I understand 4 wheel drive rears are wider by like 2 inches, plus some have posi.

Don

Looking at the rear end width chart for a rear that's slightly wider than the S10 and fairly common, the '78-'88 "G Body" GM may be a candidate at 58".

Bob

Have you looked at an early Ford Bronco, they have a narrow 9".

marvin

Originally Posted by twincreek

Have you looked at an early Ford Bronco, they have a narrow 9".

marvin

Yes, I think they're about 58"-59". Probably a good choice, but also very scarce. Also, I'd rather avoid the 5 on 5 1/2" wheel stud pattern. I'd prefer the 5 on 4.5" or 4.75" pattern because of a greater variety of wheel choices.

Bob

i have a model a vicky , with a s10 rear axle in it . i bought this car so i dont know what year the axle is BUt it fits great . we are running real wheels 15x8 .looks good .

Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

I've got an S10 rear in my T and it is really narrow.

Don

Don, tell me about the Model A style rear spring on your car. It must be narrower than a stock Model A spring to fit between the backing plates. I know that Posie's has a narrowed A spring. What's the scoop on yours?

Bob

I think this one is stock. It was one of my Ebay purchases some time ago so I forget the specifics. I am going to have to replace it at some future date as it has settled lower than I planned on and the shackles are now straight down, not angles as the should be.

I also have a T spring that I am using under my 27 on an A frame. That one I did have to have a new, shorter main leaf built for. I did that about 20 years ago and they charged me $ 18 to make the new leave. A year or so ago I went back to the same spring shop and had a shortened main leave made for my 39 Dodge project. This time the charge was $ 118.00! Inflation I guess.

Wish I could tell you more about the spring on the S10 rear, but that is all I remember. If you would like I will be at the shop tonight and measure it for you. The picture below is of the T spring under my 27.

Don