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| | | | Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 114 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 114 | I just acquired a axle from a 55.1 series with 3.90 gears. I'm doing a full frame off resto on my 1951 5 window and have had my frame and suspension done for some time. Chassis, axles, springs, brackets all powder coated, and yes I already rebuilt my torque tube with new 3:55 from Patricks and new bearings. However, now I'm changing directions and want to change my 3 on the tree to a t5. Now that I found this axle. (Hard to come by!) should I get the 3:38 from Patricks or with the t5, are the 3:90 gears fine?
Question 2: I've heard I can drill the 55.1 axle spring perches to position the axle where it should be as compared to my springs meant for the torque tube. Is this true?
Question 3: also heard I can just turn my springs around? T or F?
Question 4: does the s10 t5 come up thru the factory 4 speed trans covers or do I need to cut a new hole in a 3 speed cover that has no holes for a shifter?
I appreciated any info.
Last edited by fosters51deluxe5; 12/02/2014 12:05 AM.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | I have done many T5's with the 3.9 and all of my customers are happy with that combo. I should add that this is only true if your T5 has the .70 OD.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 114 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 114 | I'm currently looking for the right t5. I see your not far from me if you have one you would like to sell. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 | If You are running a 6 cyl. or small v-8 the T-5 will work great with 3.90 rear. I am going to put the 3:38 gears in my 56 with a T-5 & 350.
I have never done one on an AD so I can't help with springs. You will need to cut a different hole in the cover but you don't have to cut the floor.
They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | | | | Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 114 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 114 | I should have mentioned that I'll be using a 235 unless I can find a 261 in my 1951 PU
Last edited by fosters51deluxe5; 12/01/2014 5:42 AM.
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 160 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 160 | If you have no use for your 3:55 torque tube axle, I am looking for one for my 51- . Please PM if interested .
marc | | | | | Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 239 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 239 | I have a '55 1st series. I am running a 261 engine with T5 transmission and 390 rear end. Its a great combination. Except for the steering it drives great. Plan to rebuild the steering next. Love my Chevy truck. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2013 Posts: 54 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2013 Posts: 54 | As far as question #2 goes, I don't know if the perch is long enough to add the needed hole. I just took 2 pieces of 3/8 x 1.5 inch cold rolled steel and drilled 2 holes one with the centering pin in it and the other 1.75 inches away. The empty hole over the spring alignment pin and the one with the other pin to the hole in the perch.
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