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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Nov 2017 Posts: 82 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2017 Posts: 82 | I am having a dilemma ... I have a 1952 chevy half ton panel, I would like to swap the rear axle, differential for a 3.55 or 3.73 set up and keep the stock column shift 3 speed transmission. I am thinking that if I could find a conversion for the yoke assembly on the transmission side of the drive shaft it would work. could any of you fellas help me out here? I have thought about just changing the ring and pinion but from what I have see it is very expensive. I am trying to find an inexpensive way that I can get my 52 panel to enjoy the left lane just a little ... or at least keep up with most of the traffic. without the engine screaming murder, I also need to note my 52 panel has a 1958 235ci engine. would the ring and pinion ratio alone allow me to reach my goal or is part of the problem in the ratios of the transmission? my pal has a 1997 rear end assembly he is parting out that he would sell me for 50 dollars. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 | What make/model/width 1997 rear end assembly? Will you need new rear springs and hangers? You'll need an adapted driveshaft? It will be interesting to see if someone posts a way to use/convert your original closed-driveshaft transmission. ( please let us know what you get here) Compare to: - $350 plus delivery (maybe) for 3.55 R&P from mothertruckeraz@aol.com - $450 delivered for 3.55 installation kit (parts you should also get new for you 1997 rear end assembly) | | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,518 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,518 | I'm thinking no easy way on the stock tranny unless he replaces it with the later design. I think the easiest is to dive into the stock third member and do a ring and pinion change to a 3.55. Today, I am buying a complete torque tube and rear axle assembly to do just this. Do a ring and pinion/bearing change in advance and get it all buttoned up then do the exchange in an afternoon. Used torque tube rear end assemblies you can get for at the most $25 some are free.
Last edited by sstock; 04/13/2018 2:34 PM.
1953 Chevrolet 3100261 cu inch, sm420, 3.55 rear, torque tube still,omaha orange, still 6 volt, RPO green glass, side carrier spare, all done In the DITY GalleryVideo of the 261 running1964 GMC 1000305 Big Block V6, sm420, the next cab off restoration
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,320 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,320 | The 1954 3/4 ton with 3 speed used the same basic trans as the 1948-54 1/2 ton, except it had a open drive adapter on the rear. These may be a little hard to find, but they are out there. Here is a link to pictures of what it looks like.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,518 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,518 | Awesome Dave. Nice post. That looks like the way to go then.
1953 Chevrolet 3100261 cu inch, sm420, 3.55 rear, torque tube still,omaha orange, still 6 volt, RPO green glass, side carrier spare, all done In the DITY GalleryVideo of the 261 running1964 GMC 1000305 Big Block V6, sm420, the next cab off restoration
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2017 Posts: 82 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2017 Posts: 82 | thanks fellas . I appreciate your replies.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 | What that be the same for 1954 3600-3900? Thanks, Tim | | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,320 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,320 | I am not completely sure of your question Tim.
I think the 3 speed was only available in 1/2 and 3/4 tons.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 | As usual, you are correct, Dave. That 3-speed was standard equipment on 3100-3700. A different 3-speed was standard for 3800/3900, and it was an RPO on smaller trucks. In order for it to be RPO on 3100, it must have an a similar adapter on the rear? http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/chevyresto/54156.htm | | |
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