Hi Folks,
This is my first post to the board, but I thought I'd chime in on the
subject of swapping rear-end assemblies.
I've owned my '51 1/2 ton AD since 1977 and one of the first thing I did was
to replace the original rear-end, especially since my plans were to hot-rod
the truck. (Olds 455/Turbo 400)
My feelings are that Patrick's gears are great if you are intending to keep
an all original drivetrain. The new gears will definitely improve the
driveability at highway speeds.
I replaced my original rear-end with a '68-'74 Nova rear, and am now on my
second assembly--after 26 years.
The cost? $50--junkyard rear-end, $25 --new brake shoes, $20--new hardware
(springs, keepers, pins, etc.), $20--3" weld-on axle pads, $20--new
u-bolts/nuts, $40--new shocks, $25--turning of the brake drums, $5--new
brake line for rear-end, $15--new flex line to tie into truck brake system.
Add another $20 for miscellaneous stuff.
Of course, to tie to a Turbo 350 or similar, a Nova driveshaft will provide
the correct u-joint fit, but the length will have to be altered by a
competent driveshaft shop--around $100-$125 typically for a new shaft with
your yokes.
Total$? $240, not counting the driveshaft, plus a little labor on my part.
My truck cruises effortlessly 65-70 MPH with its 3.08 gears and is a joy
to drive--I presently put about 500 miles a week on the truck--I love it!
Randy Wickham
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