Differential Size

[Porterbob]

What is the "correct" or preffered width of a differential for a T-Bucket? I have a 10 Bolt out of a Suburban and think that it is "60 which seems too wide. I do not have a frame yet and would also appreciate some advice on who's to purchase. I don't mean to open a can of worms.

 

[rooster57]

I use a S10 and it is just about right i think its 55 inches. And also its 5 on 4 3/4 same as my front hubs. Isnt the suburban 5 on 5

 

[EX JUNK]

I'm also using an S-10 rear out of a 2 wheel drive as it is narrower than a 4WD unit by about 4" I think.

Jim

 

[Lee_in_KC]

Depending on the range of back-spacing available on the wheels you want to use, you may actually have quite a bit of range in length of axle. I originally had the wide S-10 (54.5" is what I recall), then switched to a Jag, which is 61.5." I changed wheels from 3-3/8 back-spacing to 4-7/8 (deepest I can use with the Jag hub carriers) to mover the tires back towards the body. They're still a little further away from the body than I would like, but the only solution is to narrow the Jag, which is more work and expense than I'm willing to take on.

Here is a diagram that blownT did that helps understand the spacing issues...

I can e-mail you a larger version that is easier to read.

 

[tea tom]

I have a surburban rear in my 27 roadster, and it is a bit too wide with stock wheels. I plan on using wheels with about 3 to 4" back spacing and this will cure the problem.

 

[donsrods]

My 23 is using an S10 rear and it is pretty narrow so I had to order very deep reversed wheels to get clearance. My Son Don is running a Maverick 8 inch rear in his and he had to order wheels with an offset to move them in because it was too wide. I did the same on my 27.

The point is, if you end up with a rear that is too narrow or wide you can order wheels offset in or out to your specs.........as long as you are ordering steel wheels. Mags would be a different situation though.

Don

 

[Ted Brown]

I think you can use what ever rear end you like, any width that looks good to you, look at Danny's Leg show, talk about a wide look, and it looked GREAT! That is what T's are all about, a WILD look.. YES??? I happen to use a chrysler Imperial rear axle, about 64" anyway, it is 78" total outside width, and I also never run a rear wheel that is as narrow as the foot pattern, I have a 10" wide foot print, and use a 15" wide wheel, makes for MUCH better handeling in corners and such, no side swaying in the tires. Been there and done that, learned from some old road racing friends... Something else to consider, if the tires are real close to the body, they tend to throw stones at your arms if you like driving with your arm out at all.. :hide: