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| | | Forums66 Topics128,164 Posts1,057,081 Members48,463 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
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For helping keep this great
old truck web site
on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Oct 2012 Posts: 101 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2012 Posts: 101 | anyone know if a 1971 1/2 ton gmc rear end would work on a 1958 1/2 ton.i am not even seeing spyder gears for sale for 1958. maybe I should just find another rear end ?? any other year suggestions ?? thanks | | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 | There is a way to save the original rear, but it might be a little spendy. Tom's Differentials has an axle shaft conversion for the '55-'59 rear end that changes it to the later 30 spline shaft. That will allow for the later 12 bolt spider gears to be used in the housing.
Bill Burmeister | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,983 Sir Searchalot | | Sir Searchalot Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,983 | It is cheaper and better to just use a donor from a newer truck. Done it several times. Just measure your WMS-WMS and search internet info to find some that come close. Then buy one on Craigslist. Be sure to open it up before buying to inspect gears and ratio. $100-$200 for open diff. Easy install. Some shock mount mods may be necessary. Supposedly: NOT verified, 69 and some 70's 62 1/4" 71-72 and some 70's 63 3/4" 1955-1959 Chevy Pickup 62" A little wider is OK and can be compensated with Backspacing/off set adjustment.
Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. - William Penn | | | | | Joined: Oct 2012 Posts: 101 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2012 Posts: 101 | thanks all I will cont looking for another rearend bring a tape measure with me!! | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,983 Sir Searchalot | | Sir Searchalot Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,983 |
Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. - William Penn | | | | | Joined: Oct 2012 Posts: 101 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2012 Posts: 101 | what do you mean by backspacing. different rims ?? do you happen to know if u bolts same as I just ordered a set before I found out the other 59 rear end also has excessive spider gear play. thanks | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,983 Sir Searchalot | | Sir Searchalot Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,983 | Part 1:what do you mean by backspacing. different rims ?? PART 2: do you happen to know if u bolts same as I just ordered a set before I found out the other 59 rear end also has excessive spider gear play. thanks Part 1: Yes, different rims may bring a wide or narrow WMS back to looking acceptable.. or live with it. Part 2: If axle tube is same diameter (3"?) and using same springs and plate....yes.
Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. - William Penn | | |
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