I recently bought a 53 half ton as a non-running project. I also bought what I was told was a 62 235 with a 3 spd overdrive trans. Turns out its a 261 with a 3 spd overdrive. I'm planning to swap the 261 into the 53 but am concerned the existing torque tube driveline will not be the correct length. I've never dealt with a closed driveline before and am thinking I may have to go to an open drive line and a different rear end. I'd like to stay with at least 3.70 rear end ratio since I have the overdrive to lower rpm at highway speeds. What is the proven way to do the swap and do I need to convert to an open drive line and a different rear end and if so which rear end, if any, is a bolt up without too many modifications. Thanks in advance for helping out a newbie.
jerry
