Click on image for the lowdown. 
====
| | | Forums66 Topics128,131 Posts1,056,372 Members48,441 | | 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!
| | THANKS!
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: Aug 2016 Posts: 16 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2016 Posts: 16 | I am convinced this is a good choice for a rear end on my 51 1/2 ton with 350 and 700R4. Going to use 3:73 locker. My question is what is the advantage if any to center the carrier in the middle of frame? I have read some guys are cutting off the long axle tube on the one side and then using a short axle so that both sides are equal length. I have also read the offset is not enough to hurt anything. Anybody done this ? and what size wheels were you able use as far as width and offset and keep them inside the fenders ? | | | | | Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,708 back yard wrench turner | | back yard wrench turner Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,708 | It will probably have a 3:73 in it and will be a posi with disc brakes. The axle should have a tag attached to tell what the ratio is. If you don't like the offset pumpkin, you can use 2 short axles by cutting the long side to the same length as the short side.
It all depends what width you need for your truck. Wayne1938 1-Ton Farm TruckStovebolt Gallery Forums1989 Silverado 1996 Mustang GT convertible When I die, I hope she doesn't sell everything for what I told her I paid for it! | | | | | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,775 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,775 | My understanding is that Ford has a different approach when it comes to driveshaft angles.
I read an article a long time ago explaining it. GM typically pitches the rearend down to help compensate for axle wrap.
Ford sets their rearends up with the same drive angle. When the axle travels up and down or the springs wrap, it maintains a slight angle on the driveline. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,775 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,775 | Here's the Spicer guidelines for setting Diff. angles. Page 9 talks about compound angles. http://www2.dana.com/pdf/J3311-1-DSSP.pdf | | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,281 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,281 | Why is the Ford Explorer's carrier off-center? Is the transmission output shaft off-center?
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | Perhaps so both axles can be the same length(parts count.)
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires. '47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle. '54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed. '55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 | Perhaps so both axles can be the same length(parts count.)
Ed Bad guess since it has already been stated some people shorten the long end and use two short axles. That tells me the long end uses a longer axle. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,832 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,832 | We use a lot of Explorer rear ends as they are strong as heck, set up for leaf springs, narrow, disc brakes, and the E-brake cable comes out just like ones on old cars/trucks. Have not had a problem with the "C" clip axles--yet, but if it comes up there are several offering C clip eliminator kits. At 59 inches wide they fit most of the 30's, 40's, and many 50's rides like a glove but if used on AD's or newer trucks a spacer may be needed to give tire to frame/box clearance, especially with bigger tires. Wheels with less back space are available.
Evan
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2016 Posts: 16 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2016 Posts: 16 | so in regards to my earlier question do you ever shorten and center the rear carrier in the frame or is this not necessary ? | | | | | Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,708 back yard wrench turner | | back yard wrench turner Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,708 | The only reason necessary is if the axle is too wide to fit. Wayne1938 1-Ton Farm TruckStovebolt Gallery Forums1989 Silverado 1996 Mustang GT convertible When I die, I hope she doesn't sell everything for what I told her I paid for it! | | |
| |