The only problems with just hauling off and changing the rear end are listed
below. This is something I will be faced with very soon and am NOT looking
forward to at all.
1) Lug Nut Pattern... good luck finding a modern 6 lug pattern.. so now you
either get to carry two spare tires so you can change a front one, or.. make
an adapter plate for the rear.
2) Braking system...good luck again trying to get your hucks brakes on the
front to work with the modern rear. I hear a proportioning valve will be
needed at least. I am not sure if this is a big deal or not.
3) Welding Perches.. suggest being really good at welding since these are
pretty crucial to be done by a professional or at least someone who knows
what they are doing. Lots of load bearing on these welds.
4) Drive Shaft.. You might get real lucky and find a driveshaft that is the
proper length. Probably not, so there is the expense of a custom driveshaft.
I am sure I have missed a few things as I am getting more and more nervous
about doing this. My plan at this point is to use a 55 1st series rear end.
Perches should already be fine, its 6 lug already, and there is a slight
chance of putting either all bendix brakes on it, or all hucks depending on
the difficulty of borrowing from the donor.
----- Original Message -----
From: <Passnb4U@aol.com>
To: <bmdumkee@auroranet.nt.ca>; <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, October 23, 2000 12:19 AM
Subject: Re: [oletrucks] Differential Problem
> In a message dated 10/22/00 9:15:59 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
> bmdumkee@auroranet.nt.ca writes:
>
> > I am contemplating building up the two outside sides of the axle shaft
> > spacer with brass or weld to take up this extra slack? Any other
> > suggestions?
>
>
> The ends are hardened, welding the splined ends may have adverse
affects.
>
> Are you really stuck on keeping the priginal rear in it? You mentioned
> welding, so it'd seem you have the skills to find another later modeled
rear,
> with a more friendly ratio, and relocate the spring perches.
>
> You could look for another axle, or stock rear...should beable to find
one
> frmo those who've made a swap...although the GMC probably will be a
tougher
> find.
>
> There were many different Rear's GMC used...in fact I pulled a 3.08
10-bolt
> out of a '55-59 GMC 1/2 ton pickup and ran it for several years...I bent
an
> axle...and get this, there were no C-clips...the axle bearings were
pressed
> on the axle...similar to the 88128 bearing used in later model axles. So
I'm
> not suprised the parts guys are giving you several different options.
>
> Good luck.
>
> Mike
>
>
> oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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