i know several people that use them in light vehicles, they hold up well...and I think they are `58 inches.
I have read there are different versions of the 10 bolt rear end, 7.5", 7.8" & 8.5". I need to measure the hub to hub width on the rear end thats on my '53. I would like to go with a Ford 9" but I think it will be hard to find one the right width in my price range thats why I'm starting to look into the 10 & 12 bolts. I just thought the S-10 rear end was a good choice from what I've been reading cuz they are cheap & easy to find.They are pretty decent rearends for a street vehicle, but wont stand a lot of abuse from high HP engines. They aren't 8.5" though, they're 7.7" 10 bolt rearends. The 8.5 10 bolt was used on most '70's GM vehicles.
That's an excellent choice if you can find one. A buddy of mine has been running one in his '68 Camaro for 10 years now behind a "mild" 454 with a trans brake.Not trying to sway you one way or another but `66 to `77 ford broncos all used `58 inch wheel flange to wheel flange rear axle widths on their ford 9 inch a few were eight inch but not many, if you hapen to run across one grab it, most all were large bearing axle housings, 28 ad 31 spline if you find a complete unit.
You're likely to pay double (if not triple) for a 12 bolt than you will for a 9 inch. Unless it's a truck 12 bolt (which is different than a car 12 bolt), but it'll probably be too wide for you.I would like to go with a Ford 9" but I think it will be hard to find one the right width in my price range thats why I'm starting to look into the 10 & 12 bolts.