didnt think of that option. howevever this brings about 2 more questions

1- wouldnt it just be easier to replace the whole rearend and remount the leaf spring mounts than gutting the rear end

2- this would still leave me with the 6 lug pattern? i would like to have 5 lug so i can update with more modern wheels.

i spoke with someone last night about replacing the rear with a late model rear end and that seems like a doable task on a weekend in my garage. i think later model rears would be more easy to come by than 55-62 chevys?

thanks for the help