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BUSY BOLTERS Are you one?  The Shop Area
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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 643 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 643 | Will the rear axle from a 1965 1/2ton C10 fit ok under my 1958 1/2ton GMC truck? What about the rear axle from a 1983 1/2ton Chevy truck? Thinking my original rear axle wont handle the drivetrain upgrade-putting a 350 w auto trans in my truck.
Thanks in advance
Danny
1958 GMC stepside GMC 302 six cylinder 3 speed OD trans
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | a V8 was an option in '58, if the rear end under your truck is sound it'll handle it as well as any other rear end if you don't abuse it .... if you insist on changing it out, get a tape measure and see if it'll "fit OK" and check whether you can hook up the e-brake
Bill | | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,440 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,440 | I have been running a 3.07 Spicer from a '59 GMC behind the 350 in my '56 for years. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 643 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 643 | No , I don't want to do any extra unnecessary stuff to the truck while I am transforming it .
so thankyou
Danny
1958 GMC stepside GMC 302 six cylinder 3 speed OD trans
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,066 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,066 | The 65 truck has rear coil springs and all the related suspension attachments welded to the housing. Those would have to be removed and new spring perches welded to match your 58.
You would probably have to do some surgery on the later rear axle as well providing it isn't too wide.
I have been running a 350 in my 56 with a 3sp OD trans and the stock 390 rear end since 2000. I don't think you can break the stock rear end with that combination, the main problem is that it is probably geared too low for suitable highway driving. A better ratio rear end or an overdrive of some type would definitely help.
Fred
Last edited by rfs56trk; 09/12/2014 9:54 PM.
1956 3100 Pickup/Red/350/3sp OD/PS/Disc Brakes
1957 Bel Air Sport Coupe/Red/355/TH350/PS/Disc Brakes
2017 Silverado LT Single Cab SB/Black/5.3/6 Speed Trans
1947 Willys CJ2A w/F-Head engine
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2014 Posts: 215 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2014 Posts: 215 | Done this before; here it is again (or reason not to worry):
"Let's see, we take out an old engine that puts out maybe 250 lb. ft. torque, backed by a granny tranny with a 7.0 low gear, and replace it with a V8 with, say, 400 lb. ft. torque and an auto tranny with a 2.5 low gear.
250 x 7.0 = 1750 lb. ft. torque to the rear versus 400 x 2.5 = 1000 lb. ft. torque to the rear.
And how come nobody worries about the driveshaft and U-joint as well as the rear end?
Just sayin'!" | | | | | Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 643 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 643 | Thanks 4 the advice.I will use what I have
Danny
1958 GMC stepside GMC 302 six cylinder 3 speed OD trans
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,059 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,059 | Done this before; here it is again (or reason not to worry):
"Let's see, we take out an old engine that puts out maybe 250 lb. ft. torque, backed by a granny tranny with a 7.0 low gear, and replace it with a V8 with, say, 400 lb. ft. torque and an auto tranny with a 2.5 low gear.
250 x 7.0 = 1750 lb. ft. torque to the rear versus 400 x 2.5 = 1000 lb. ft. torque to the rear.
And how come nobody worries about the driveshaft and U-joint as well as the rear end?
Just sayin'!" Great post Woody!
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
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