I hope i am not asking a repetitive question but here it is

So right now i have an 88 s-10 (sitting in the snow) and i am just making sure i have the right rear end I want to use

The s-10 is a 2.5L with a five speed tranny. So what i want to do is change the engine to a V8 chevy with an automatic transmission

I would like to go with a 700 R4 transmission built after 1985 in it because according to the swap manual (yep bought the swap manual finaly) it said the 700 R4 before that had problems. Has anyone ever heard of problems with the 700R4 after 1985? Should i instead use a 350?

But I would like the over drive and i guess the transmission cross brace works on that transmission easy.
So can i use this transmission with an early chev engine or am i going to have to find an LT-1 engine to use?

Next question

What rear end do i have in there?
7 1/2 or the 7 5/8?
I have been told by some people the 7 5/8 only came in the 4.3L trucks. If it is the 7 5/8 , will it handle some of the abuse that i am going to but it through (which means the occasional burn out and once in a great while at the tracks) or should i upgrade? If upgrade, upgrade to what? Me poor college kid remember.


Thanks for reading this long question and everyone has been a big help on this bord. Its winter right now but waiting for spring. Just making sure I am going to have this truck planned out well before assembling.

First, the use of early or late model Small Block Chevy. It wouldn't make a difference either way, just computer or non computer. Either will work with both tranny's.

Second, I would only go to the TH350 if you have to, I mean your on a tight budget and cannot afford a '86-up 700R4. I originally went TH350, and am now in the process of putting in a 700R4. As for the use of the original tranny brace, I don't have a clue whether the one you have will work, but really not a big deal. They're easy to make your own.

If your on a small budget like I was when built my S-10 (started when I was 16) just keep the original rear end in the truck. My truck has had a 350 for I guess near 6 years now and has had two different rears, both stock S-10, and I never have broke one. I did replace one because the gearing was wrong for me. And the truck has not been babied until this year, so the stock rear has seen some rough duty and held up just fine.

I would however do your best to go for headers right away, I will be putting the S10 headers on mine this year finally.


bonuts

bonuts has given you some good advice. I will reinforce the 700R4 recommendation. It sounds like you won't be doing much to the truck till next year so save your money for the O.D. Tranny. Go talk to a couple of speed shops and get some info from them. They will know who to go to for a good rebuild. Don't buy one out of a scrap yard and expect to save money. Even a th350 should be rebuilt before you stick it in so save yourself a lot of grief by going with a good one from the start...
The 5 speed crossmember may be an issue but I'm sure someone on the board will know if it'll work with a 700R4 or not. It's easy enough to make one or modify it or just get one out of a junk yard. Lots of options for that one...
You can use a set of V6 motor mounts out of a junk yard as well so don't spend big bucks on aftermarket brackets and stuff... The swap manuals are good for reference but don't take everything they say as gospel. Just remember the 4.3 is the exact same motor as a 350, just two cylinders shorter, so all of the factory brackets and linkages from a V6 truck will work on a 350 (in most cases of course)...
Mark