treegrower - Your “JE614” decodes as a 1951 Detroit built 3100 unit with standard 4.11 gears. “614” is the “unit number” from the assembly line and indicates it was built June 14th.
According to the GM Heritage files, the ‘51 and ‘53 frames seem identical.
On bolt in pumpkins to upgrade your existing axle, a Chevy 1955.1-62 open drive 1/2 ton pumpkin is a basically bolt in swap to change out your torque tube.
IIRC, it’s a relatively easy process, using the existing axle shafts. There is one key thing that must be changed though.
The existing axle housing mounts have to be modified (welded up) or replaced with welded on spring perches to prevent the axle from rotating and destroying your driveshaft and other stuff.
Lots of previous conversations on the topic if you search the subject- converting to open driveline.
Last edited by Gdads51; 07/21/20264:16 PM. Reason: Add details on unit number
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
