Will f-body stock T2 fit an S-10?, ... and is is worth the trouble? Options

[sgarnett]

My father recently traded for a 2002 S-10 with the GT5 axle (4.10, open diff). I still have the stock T2 I removed from my 2001 Z28 at around 20K miles or so.

1) Will it fit? The S-10 axle looks like a ten-bolt, but I don't know if it's a 7.5/7.625 or 8.5. It's only a 2WD 4-banger, so I would guess it's probably the 7.x, but I don't know. Is there a way to identify 7.x versus 8.5 externally (without pulling the cover)?

2) Will the stock 4.10s be a problem? I know split paddles are needed in an f-body ten-bolt for 4.10s, but I don't know how much the ten-bolt varies in different applications.

3) Is the T2 going to be enough improvement to be worth the trouble? He's only looking for better traction in rain, snow, and very light fair-weather offroad use (for example, helping the Boy Scouts with a maintenance project on the church grounds). He says it really sucks in the rain right now, but he traded a posi Ramcharger for it so the open diff and light tail are definitely a step down. I'd probably pick the Torsen for wet road handling (and because it's free), but an Auburn might be more effective and familiar. It might also last longer in his application than it would in a V8 f-body (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

I never drove my Camaro on narrow all-season tires with the T2, so I don't have a feel for how much it would help in the truck.

[firehawkclone]

Yep, i bought a Torsen takeout from SLP and it was a big difference in the sonoma(s10) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/thumbup.gif)

EDIT: Some s-series did come with an 8.5, but most likely you have the 7.5 just like are car's. Sean i can't help you on weather the gear's will hurt it or not tthough.

Me(im just a mod) and a bunch of old timer's have started a new GM truck site www.GMtruckforum.org it has great people like this one, so stop on over and check it out (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/thumbup.gif)

[lt99ls1]

You can clearance the stock paddle with a grinder and a piece of sand paper. Been there a couple of times.

It the Torsen will be well worth the trouble.