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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!
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| | | | Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 216 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 216 | I'm looking to make the '46 more freeway friendly and change out the rear end. I've located a 14 bolt, 8 lug, full floating rear with a 3.73 ratio. From what I'm reading it isn't that big a deal to swap them out, moving the spring mounts seems like the biggest issue. I was wondering if there is someone out there who sells replacement ring and pinion gears for the original rear end so I could just replace those. Chevys of the 40s has a ring and pinion set but it's only for 1/2 ton trucks.
Joe | | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | Check your Wheel Mounting Surface (WMS) to get the correct width. Might have to change spring perches(easy).
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: Jul 2013 Posts: 216 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 216 | Hi Ed,
I've got a buddy who is a welder. He seems to think it's an easy job tool I guess I'll pick up this 14 bolt unit with the 3.73 gear set and go with that.
Joe | | | | | Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 216 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 216 | Hi Grigg, Thank you, that's exactly what I was looking for. I've got a stakebed truck so there are no fenders to deal with but still want to make sure I'm going to have the right geometry. I've got to measure the WMS distance before I go take a look at this rear. That thread deals with AD trucks, would the same info hold true for my '46 3/4 ton? Joe | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 | Yes, generally the same info is good for the 3/4 ton and the older (and newer) trucks.
To be sure the swap is right for your situation measure the important stuff, like width from center of each spring, and wheel mounting surface to WMS. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 216 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 216 | Well I've located a T5 from a Sonoma and a '54 235 so all 3 pieces should make for a better driveline. Can't wait to get started. I'll try and take lots of pictures.
Thanks again for all the great info.
Joe
P.S. I also located a heater/defroster for those cold winter days out here in So Cal :-) | | |
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