You can either convert your existing axle housing to open drive by swapping in a '55-'62 1/2 ton third member, it does require welding up the spring pivots. Or just swap in a whole different axle as Wayne suggested. 1/2 ton rear ends up to about '69 will be the right width for your truck. '63 and up had better ratio selections.

Last edited by Ghostrider; 10/06/2011 5:48 PM. Reason: Typo

Steve

'49 3800
'52 3600
'57 3100