LUVTruck.com

I have a 76 luv that i have had for a few years now like most money is tight. However, I am moving closer to getting it out of the yard and into the garage. HEre is the ultimate goal. Street/daily driver. i wanna do an engine swap with 350-400 hp. why so much hp cause i can. i am looking for information on a rear end that will work. i understand that S-10 rear ends can handle up to about 350 torque (red light stands) but i dont have the funds for a ford 9". I'm not looking for a red light standing ride. just something ppl go what the hairy was that. I have read a little about 7.5" and 8.5 inch 10 bolts, Gear types of the dozons. Can anyone suggest somthing that might fit what i am looking for and maybe a lesson on how gear ratio's work. obvisouly i dont want hwy gears but a happy medium i guess.


Shawn

FYI-The V8 LUV I picked up has a Toyota rear end. I was told it would hold up to a health V8 (400hp). I have yet to run it, just what I was told when I got the truck.

_________________

The stock one usually will hold that HP amount, unless you are running slicks...

_________________
If you think no one cares, try missing a couple of payments...



FIAA!

SFPP!

I will not be running slicks just street tires. I will do more research on the stock rear end. I would like to change to bolt patern out so somthing a little more friendly like 5X5. I am sure I can get a conversion in a mag for that any issues with tire width/clearance?. I am a few months away but I like to have a plan in order prior to jumping in. I dont like to many unexpected bumps in the road especially ones that cost me more money then planned

If I did decide to swap to a chevy 10 bolt 8.5 is there a specific year/model I should be looking for?

Thanks

Pretty much any rear you swap will be wider than what is in it, if you plan on going 10 bolt, 12 bolt, 8.8 , 9 inch, etc...

_________________
If you think no one cares, try missing a couple of payments...



FIAA!

SFPP!

thanks for the info. Based on what you have told me I think I'll keep the stock rear end in for now and see how it holds up. worst case if I break it i can alway change it later

I have posted this information before but here it is again. The narrowest stock rear end you will find from Ford in the 54" wide 8" from a 70-78 Comet or Maverick Grabber, these came from the factory with a 302. All you have to do is weld on the spring saddles, make up a driveshaft and go. Most of them are 3:00 ratio so are good for freeways. Your stock Luv rear end is about 2" narrower, at 52", but it will undoubtedly be a 4:10 gear ratio. The difference of rpms at 65 is 1K + less!! These rear ends are plenty tuff too, can handle up to 600 HP reliably.
Just a thought, maybe a S 10 or Toyota might be a better way to go, but this is the simplest way I have found.
Good luck,