I already have converted to an open drive shaft setup. I took the center pumpkin out of a 55 1st series and put it in the 52 torque tube housing. This gave me an open drive shaft. To be able to use the old housing, I welded the mounts solid. There is a rubber bushing inside the mount that attaches to the axle housing and the spring. I just welded this pivot point together and didn't have to change any mounts.
May be a photo will explain what I am having trouble saying.
http://community.webshots.com/album/94991719ZcaSLu http://community.webshots.com/photo/94991719/94993264tuafcF http://community.webshots.com/photo/58753176/58835235DxgtTe Seems to working very well, a couple of hard burnouts didn't brake anything. Can you do a hard burnout with a 228 GMC engine?
I have access to a 58 Chevy car and thought the center section would work in this housing. I might be able to raise my gear ratio easily.
Thanks for the input.
Arlyn
