In a message dated 10/10/99 9:49:08 AM Pacific Daylight Time, SBOHNAK@aol.com
writes:
> In my quest to upgrade my GMC 55 2nd, I want to replace my 4:51 stock
rearend
>
> with a more suitable highway speed unit to run with my 350/400 setup.
> I've heard of using a Camaro rear end, but it may pose some width
problems.
> A
> builder in Turlock told me a great unit was a F*** (sorry to use that
brand)
>
> Maverick 8" rear member. Has anyone heard of this and would the 8" handle
> the power.
>
> Also heard someone using a Lincoln Versalles rear end. It has the rear
disc
>
> brakes, but the downside is that parts are very hard to find and if you do
> find them, take out a loan.
>
> Would appreciate any help.
>
> Steve B GMC 55 2nd
Steve,
The 2nd gen F-body (70-81) rears are a good choice, one thing is they have
a 8.5inch ring gear (most anyway, some earlier ones are 8.2 I think, but
still plenty strong) and the width is just about the same, you just need to
relocate your spring perches. The downside to this, or any other rear that's
not a GMC/Chevy truck, is you'll have 5 lug wheels on the back, and 6 lug on
the front.
The other option is to look for a 6 lug rear from the early 60's GMC's,
width is dead on, gear ratio's are many to choose from, and the ones witht eh
Dana-44 housings are a good choice regardless of the ratio because you can
get new ring and pinion setups for the Dana 44 to suit your needs.
Mike
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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