Davestar1, thanks for the info about build dates and for confirming that this is an axle from a mid fifties chevy - will help me to get brake parts - but now that I've confirmed that this unit is too narrow I'm thinking that it would be smarter to invest in a more appropriate width unit. Guess it's time to re-new my relationship with my local auto parts re-cycler!
(I did investigate spacers to widen the wheel base and spacers are milled from billet materials and cost an arm and a leg - this supports installing the correct width axle.)
thanks to all for advice - I especially appreciate understanding how to calculate the ratio.
