The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks rear axle

I thought my powerglide was going out it was making nose found out it is the rear axle. It will cost around a $1000 to rebuild but the mechanic told me to get a new one that has disc brakes and then buy a kit to change the front to a disc brake. I like the idea but not sure which rear axle to look for. Thanks for the help I have a 1966 Chevy truck step side short bed


Rocky

You would likely have to find a much later rear end to get disc brakes. In addition, many newer rear end assemblies have leaf springs so it would have to be modified. This would include welding, changing brake lines, and brake cables to adapt to your coil spring rear suspension components. Front disc brake conversions are available from a variety of aftermarket suppliers and would include an upgraded booster/master cylinder.
All of this would cost way more than $1000. While I believe the front disc brake conversion is the way to go, I would seek a second opinion from someone that specializes in rebuilding rear ends.
Fred

I was told it could cost up to $1000 dollars but it depends on what is wrong the labor will be $500. I am still going to try and find a rear axle from an unused truck and install it, if I can't find one I'm not in a big hurry

Good luck finding an axle from a UNUSED truck.

I meant one that's not being used like wrecking yard

I knew that's what you meant, but just couldn't help my self at issuing a dig for your wording.
I hope you find what you need.

Thanks, I hope so too I'll save a little money

i would think you could find your axle in a junk yard out there for not much money. Curious to know what is specifically wrong with your current axle.

there is all kinds of metal in the oil so I'm guessing ring and pinion

I've been telling guys to look into the 04-12 Chevy Colorado/Gmc Canyon rearends. They have the 6x5.5 bolt pattern and gearing options from 3.27 to 4.11. They come in 60" to 63" wms. Now, they are drum brake equipped and the center hub is larger than the earlier axles. So, you'll prabably need some aftermarket wheels. You can upgrade to discs using parts out of the GM parts bin. I know around here, I can get one out of the salvage yard for less than $200.

That sounds very interesting and something I can find in a wrecking yard. I don't completely understand everything like what is wms. I have given up on disc brakes so drum is fine. Just need to know which truck to get it from and I don't have stock wheels. I have 6 lug 5.5
I would need more information not that mechanical.

WMS..... wheel mounting surface.

I have 350 so what gears would I want

I'm not familiar with Powerglides, but 3.42 and 3.73 seem to be the most common in these rearends. I'm going to say 3.42 for cruising, but 3.73 for a little more get up and go.