The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Rear End 1953 3100

Swami29 - For the most part that's correct. 1955 1st Series through 1962 (not through '64) 1/2 ton Chevy 3rd member design will bolt into/fit your 1953 rear axle housing. You are correct that there are a number of different gear options over those years, ranging from 3.38 to 1 through 4.11 to 1 depending on the years and regular production vs optional gear ratios.

The 3.90 ratio was standard equipment for all 1/2 tons 1955.1 through 1962. The 4.11 optional ratio was available for 1955.2 through 1957 1/2 tons. The 3.70 ratio was available for 1958-59 1/2 tons. An optional 3.38 ratio was also available for 1959 models, as well as all 1960-62 1/2 tons, when the 3.70 option was eliminated.

The key to knowing what the gear set is in the 3rd member you are interested in comes from the stamped unit serial number, stamped into the passenger side face edge of the housing as shown in the picture below.

If you can get the seller to provide you a picture of the 3rd member housing face on that side, we can help decode what it means and pinpoint the original gear ratio for that unit.