I installed a '65 Chevy truck rear end on my '53, and you are right it is a
3.73 ratio, but it fits just perfectly after removing the coil spring
perches and putting new saddles for the leaf springs. Mine were already
converted when I got it. BTW: it has six lugs and the original wheel fit
perfectly.
My question is: Can I change the ratio to something like 3:03 just by buying
one of the kits from a Jegs catalog? How hard is it?
The kits seem affordable, but what other expenses are involved if you do it
yourself?
Thanks,
Antonio
'53 3100
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-oletrucks@autox.team.net
[mailto:owner-oletrucks@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of J Forbes
Sent: Friday, May 18, 2001 7:44 AM
To: Old Trucks List
Subject: [oletrucks] Rearend Questions--later truck rears
Hi...
The price of $125 for a 70s-80s 4x4 rearend is really cheap...around
here they bring about $400 these days.
The 64-69 truck rearends are about 61" wide, like the 50s truck stock
rearend, plus they are 6 lug. The most common ratio is 3.73, which is a
bit much, but does allow highway crusing around 60-65 mph.
The 70-87 (-91 Blazer, Suburban also) full size truck rearends are about
63" wide, and are 5 lug on 2wd trucks, and 6 lug on 4x4s (70 2wd are
also 6 lug). Common ratios include 3.07, 3.40, and 3.73.
You can use the gears and carrier from a 70s truck or van 12 bolt
rearend in a 60s rearend, to get 3.07 gears with the narrow
housing/axles. I did this in my 66 Suburban, it worked out great, with
big block power.
Jim Forbes
59s in AZ
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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