I was wanting to convert the front end over to a straight axle and was wondering if there is a kit for that? So for the front and the rear I was wanting to put something under there that would hold up to the power of the small block. But at the same time I would like to keep the length of the axles close as I can to stock so the tires don‘t stick out a mile. If there isn‘t any sort of axle that would work, is there any sort of heavy duty running gear that I could put in there. Anybody‘s help would be greatly appreciated.
The Ford 9 in is probably the strongest you could go and still be reasonable affordable, plus it's easy to change when you break it. I had a 406 small block in a '87 S-10 myself, and used the rear end out of a Camaro of similar year. I think it was an '85, or '86 Camaro, anyway it bolted up with a few simple mods, and was almost perfect in width. It was also A LOT cheaper than a 9in Ford. Plus my truck was still all bowtie when I was done. I mean do you really want anything blue oval on your chevy?
GET A FORD 9 INCH REAR HOUSING. THE 31 SPLINE AXLES ARE TOUGH AS THEY COME. ALSO CHANGING THE GEAR RATIO IS EASY AS CHANGING THE PUMPKIN, OR THIRD MEMBER. AS FOR THE FRONT TRY TO FIND A OLD 50S TRUCK [ CHEVY ] THEY WERE OFFERED WITH A STRAIGHT AXLE. JUST LIKE THE OLD GASSERS IN THE 60,S GOOD LUCK.
Those ten bolts rearends will last a while but if your putting serious hp to it I would at least go with a 12 bolt rear end and moser axles. You could always put the 9 inch ford in it or step up to the dana 60 and never have to worry about breaking an axle or rear end part again!! Staight axles are cool on old cars but I have never seen one on an s10, but that makes it more of a reason to do it. I cant answer on that cause I have only seen a straight axle car, never touched one!
