The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop What rear end do I look for '54 1300 pick up

Rebuilding a '54 1300 Chevy pick up and I need to find a rear end and drive shaft but not sure what to look or what specs to request when asking a scrap yard. I've heard the thread width should be 60 inch. Does this mean it can't be 59 or 60-1/2"? I'm putting a 350 SBC with an automatic transmission? Not sure if it matters but i thought I'd give you all as much info as I can. Please help me with my quest and thank you in advance.

Yes, the engine and transmission you plan to use does matter. Without that useful info it would be anyone's guess. Another useful piece of info would be whether you plan to have 6 lug or 5 lug wheels.

I'm using a 3.07 out of a '59 GMC in my '56 with a 350/400. Nice ratio if you want 6 lugs.

To answer your question about width, there is some leeway. The offset of the wheels used can compensate for some variations.

I'm sure others will chime in soon with what they've used.

Thanks Thats great information. I have 6 bolt american racing rims with p275/60R15 tires.

sorry for my ignorance but 3.07 is the gear ratio?

So when looking at the scrap yard what should I be asking for?

This is my first time attempting anything like this. I know this might seem like some silly questions but I'm trying not to make any mistakes.

Ray

Yes, that is the gear ratio. It was an option in GMCs from the mid '50s to mid '60s. Also Blazers from the '70s area have 6 lugs and close enough width.

One member here just used a Nissan 6 lug rear.

Im using a 12 bolt out of a 78 chev suburban. 6 stud. Also 3.07 ratio. I made up blocks for between diff and springs that match the offset of the stock set up. You will notice that the center off diff housing and spring center bolt are off set. If you dont do that the diff will be to far forward and the tires may not fit in fender opening very nice. If you use the 56 thru 59 housing get the springs from same year. Or change the springs to the 56 thru 59 springs and use a newer diff. The spring center bolts are in different locations after 54. The difference between torque tube and open drive line. Hope that makes sense.

What automatic transmission? How are you planning on using the truck? If no load hauling or trailer pulling then a Turbo 350 or 400 transmission coupled to a 3.08 rear end should be fine. If your going to use it as a truck then a rear end with 3.73 or 4.11 and an overdrive transmission will be a much better combination. Even with the load pulling 4.11 gears the final drive will be 2.75 in overdrive so it's sips less fuel than the 3.08 behind a non-overdrive trans, the best of both worlds.

Thanks guys

I have a Turbo 350 transmission with a stage 2 shift kit. The truck won't be used for hauling at all. Anything else I should know before I start my quest?

Ray

When you are at the junkyard, pull up on the axle to feel for any play. The bearings run on the axle shaft, so if they are worn real bad, you will need new axle shafts.
Carl

Ray,

Im starting a VERY similar build as yours with my 55.1

I went with a Ford 9" rear end out of a '69 Ford Galaxy. Its super strong, easy to swap out the gears, and it was posi as an unknown bonus.

You could find new leaf perches to weld onto the rear end that is the 1 3/4" width and would fit your stock leafs, or upgrade to a newer leaf pack and get 2.5" wide perches. It took me an afternoon to sawzall and grind the old perches and coil mounts off the rear end and I will soon be tach-ing on my new ones.

PM me if you have any questions.

i have a 1977 gmc 4x4 rear end in my 3104 1/2T it's 6 lug to match the front rims.

see photos link below

it'll work w/ your v8 ray