GM is really limited for rearends. Camaros and firebirds used the same rearend that is in the S10 from 1982-2002. Full size Trucks used 8.6’s that were strong but they weren’t positive traction, nor had disc brakes, nor the same wheel bolt pattern. An older Nova or Camaros from the 60’s and 70’s would have been nice, but it would have to be cut also. So really it is a nice cheap upgrade in every way with disc brakes, good gear, and positive traction. We might go C clip eliminators to make narrowing it easier
Why use a Ford? Doesn't Chevy or GM make a compatible rear end? I no almost nothing about these swaps, so forgive my ignorance if there is an obvious reason.
Also the Chevy Blazers had an 8.5 with posi but they are rare, they have to be from 1999-2002 4.3 with 5 speeds ( I have never seen one in person ) or a 2001-2003 S10 ZR2 4x4. Those two rearends would be great but I can never find them on line or in the bone yard
