The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline 1954 chevy 3600 pickup rear end swap

I have a 1954 chevy 3600 pickup that basically tops out at 35mph. I want to make it up to highway speeds by swapping out the rear end. For now, i have a 235 and muncie sm420 transmission.

I have gone through so many posts and forums about rear end swaps but am still so confused on what i should be looking for. Alot of the recommendations are from vehicles that are hard to come by.

So what I am asking is if anyone has any idea on what rear ends on post-90's vehicles i can use that will fit my 3600. Or at least tell me what I should be looking for in potential donors. I prefer to not have to do any welding but am open to any options. TIA

Welcome to Stovebolt!

Even in the stock configuration, you should get 45-50 MPH at least. What size tires are you running?

Anyway, back to your original question ... You should check out our Tech Tip (In the Tech Tip section available in the menu bar at the top of this, and every, page) on this very subject:

Rear axle upgrade for Advance Design 3/4 and 1-ton trucks

Especially out in the Western States, the donor vehicle shouldn't be that hard to find. Or check around with your local rock crawler groups. I bet someone has a 4.10 gear set to swap for your 5 -whatever it is.

Glad to have you aboard. The great Minds at Stovebolt (there are some ... somewhere ... ) should have you in the passing lane in a jiffy!

While you're waiting for your new gear set to arrive, please go over your brakes and steering. Maybe install some seat belts ...


John

I looked at different forums and would up at a rock crawler forum, Pirate 4x4, and found a guy with some Eaton rear ends. He had an HO72 with a 4.10 gear ratio. It was in good shape and I paid $300 for it. It should make a difference, bringing my comfortable top speed from 45 to 52 mph in my ‘49 3600. John