If you are thinking of swapping in a powerglide rear to get a better gear ratio in your old truck, here are some things to think about and what it cost me. I have a 1940 1/2 ton pick up with a gear ratio of 4.56 and I found a complete rear end and torque tube assembly out of a 1952 hardtop with a 3.55 and paid $100.00. Plus I had to do the work to get it out. The car had 5 lug wheels so I pulled the axles and drums and had them redrilled for six lugs so I could use my 6 hole wheels and brand new tires. I had trouble finding a machine shop that would do the job because the holes were very near the edge of the axle flange. Wheel studs were $17.04 and drilling axles and drums and welding in the studs was $70.00. I installed new axle seals $22.00 and put the axles back in and replaced the differential cover using a new gasket $4.50 and silicone also $4.50. The axle bearings were OK so I used them but that could be another cost on your swap. I had to rebuild the brakes on the donor unit and the brake shoes were $33.50, wheel cylinders $96.00, and turned drums $16.00. Next I took the housing and had the existing spring perches cut off, $20.00. The Machine shop redrilled the spring pads to move the rear axle back one inch as it was longer than the one it replaced, $16.00. New steel brake lines were $10.34 and the flexible line was $31.00. The original flexible line was not long enough to hook up to the new axle and the only one I could find was way too expensive. I bought it anyway. I put the new assembly under my truck and hooked up the u-joint and bell using a new gasket $13.50. Next I had to call a welder with a portable welder to come to my house and weld the spring perches back on to my carefully positioned housing, $50.00. Lastly I filled it up with oil $9.00 and bled the brakes, $8.00. Just completed the job yesterday and am enjoying my new old gears. The total money spent on the changeover was $521.38. In my case it might have been better to buy Patrick's new gears. If something happens to one of my axles or brake drums while I'm on the road, I'll be in hot water. Hope this post wasn't too long. Dale
