The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Chevy 3100 1/2t- 1953 to 1950 Rear-ends interchangeable?

I have a 1950 frame and a 1950 rear axle/differential/drive shaft that I want to use.

I also have a running 1953 1/2-ton. (216, 3-on-the-tree) I'm looking to refurbish the extra frame and axle in the garage, to limit my truck's down-time.

I can't find 1950 rear drum spring+rebuild kits like I can for the 51+ models. Even looking at the layout of the brakes in the 1950 drum looks different. From the outside/backing plate, the 1950 drum looks and mounts the same as the 1953 so I was wondering if I could use the same brake components from the '53 in the '50 drums.

If not and all things equal, would it make more sense for me to keep the '53 rear? I'm changing the gear ratio on the rear either way, but I can refurbish the '50 rear in the garage as opposed to removing the '53 rear from the running truck to work on it (making prep-work much more convenient; I can send it out to paint immediately)

The change over from Huck style brakes to Bendix changed the backing plates. There is a change to the torque tube diameter as well. The brake drums are a lot cheaper for the Bendix style, and the whole thing is a bolt in change. A lot of the 1950 types are worn( a lot) so axles and seals get to be an issue. You cannot just change the drums, and brake parts. It may be worth finding a complete unit to replace the older one. Or you can take the time and dollars to fix the one you have. Check the parts for sale section, and keep looking for one removed from a Hot-Rod guy. Some options but no parts swapping from early to later with this unit.