I have a '46 chevy 2 ton that I want to change the rear axle assembly. Right now, it has 6.17 gears. From information that I've researched, this rear end could fit 5.43 gears. However, information on another thread notes that the ring and pinion for this gear ratio are almost impossible to find. I've noted from the same thread that a Dana 80HD from a Chevy 3500 has a hub/lug pattern similar to the 20" wheels that I have.
Here's the rub: The rating for my 6000 series 2 ton is 12,500 lbs. The Dana 80HD is rated at 11,000 lbs. I don't plan on filling my bus up with "stuff" or over 16 passengers.
Question: Am I safe if the lower rated Dana 80 is used? I've researched Dana S110's, which are rated at 14,000 lbs, but they run about $1800, used.
Question: Am I better off going with the 110 over the 80?
Question: Can the hubs from a Dana with an 8 lug pattern be changed to a 10 lug pattern?
Question: My research suggests that the series 5000 (1.5T) and the series 6000 (2T) use the same rear end (Banjo, seamless tube). Is this correct? If so, is there any advantage to this?
Question: Would a rear end from a 1947 or newer Chevy AD work? Would internal parts work as replacements for my '46?
Question: What other pitfalls might I encounter?
I know, lots of questions and I have about 1000 more, but the more I read, the more I realize how much I don't know.
