While waiting for my new clutch-head drivers to try and get those headliner screws out I dragged out the '59 truck rear I had picked up for this project. Much like the '59 front axle, the springs on the rear axle are angled much less than the '46. It's also spring-over vs. the spring-under on the '46. I need the open center section for the T5, and I want the better brakes of the '59. So as I see it I have several options:
a) Cut the mounts off the '59 axle and weld on the mounts from the '46 axle. b) Swap the center-section and backing plates from the '59 axle onto the '46, and then weld the existing mounts solid on the '46 axle.
Personally I think I prefer option b). Has anyone swapped later backing plates onto the earlier '46 axle? They look to be the same bolt pattern, but the '46 has 13" brakes and the '59 has 11" brakes. The '46 also has the backing plates offset inboard farther than the '59. Still looks like it should work, but right now both axle are soaking before I start trying to break loose the various bolts and fasteners. (First photo)
'59 Spring Mount (Second photo)
'46 Spring Mount (Third photo)
Last edited by Phak1; 10/20/20231:29 PM. Reason: Removed links and added pictures
