If i got some new axles, i think 30 spline could i use the diffs for 71-72 buick 8.5 housings? I can get the whole truck on the cheap....
if it is a zr2 then it will have an 8.5 rear. however the carrier will be a gov -lock unit which is completely wrong for your application. it would be foolish to swap that in. I'm fairly certain all zr2s came with 3.73s, so it's most likely the 7.5 rear anyway.
I had a 2000 S-10 4x4 that had the 8.5, disc brakes, 3.42s, a 5spd, and it was not a ZR2. They are out there, but as was said, I think it was a gov lock posi.
Don't know. The truck was originally special ordered by a GM factory employee. It was a stripped down LS model. Manual windows and locks, AM/FM/CD, extended cab(w/o 3rd door), 4.3L, 5spd, 4wd, AC and disc brakes. That was it. It may have been the 4 wheel disc brakes that got it the 8.5. I was told it was a fairly rare truck. Don't see many 4.3L 4wd 5spds. Majority were autos. 2wd v6 5spds were more common.
I'm fairly sure the gears will work, just get a non gov lock posi carrier. Maybe monzaz will chime in.
I found a list of vehicles that may work. nothing newer than a 97. I would like to get a 4x4 so i can do 2 buick 8.5 rears just buy the 30 spline axles from Monzaz.
all TRUCKS CAME WITH GM g80 autolocker... Nick named the gov lock which GM hates... BUT that is the way it goes. The Gov locks were LOW SPEED operation units they should not lock above the 30 -35 moh range for the safty of the heavy clunk that happens when the unit engages to lock up. That is how they usually break the centrifical barrel gets gummed up and does not do it job to stop the unit from locking in a BURN condition and then destroys itself after a bunch of whole shots. The are great for what they are designed for LOW SPEED operation. SNOW ICE MUD Snow plowing TOWing etc. If used properly in its life the unit will out last the truck. ALL s-10 rears with G*) were GoV BOMBs. Sorry no performance unit from the factory. 7.5 7.6 or 8.5 or 8.6 The optional 8.5 / 8.6 in the s-10 chassis was designated by the 4.3 5 speed manual trans. NOW that is not to say you might be able to order it on the side as money talks ...or someone could have transplanted later down the road they are over 10 -15 year old vehicles with that 8.5 era. started in 1995 ish. As states all 8.5 / 8.6 gears are inter-changeable except if you are using a 90 -96 car with abs equip car. then you need the pinion shaft to support that collar. If your keeping the car, Just save up and buy a good new one...this is money well spent. Jim J D
