The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Rear end and UJoints

1952 Chevrolet 3600, transplanted 235 from 54 BelAir. Where does one get Ujoints for this truck?

What would be the best rear end gear/set up to run at a reasonable RPM on the highway. And yes, I would still like to maintain the 8 lug setup.

Any help appreciated. Thank You

Some of those rigs have a combination of a short torque tube at the transmission, a carrier bearing, and an open driveline between the carrier and the rear end. The enclosed U joint at the front can be scarce and expensive to find. The open joints should be available at any local parts store with a gray-haired oldtimer who knows how to read a paper catalog and use a set of dial calipers. The HO 52 axle has two ratios that are commonly available, "slow" and "really slow"- - -4.56 and 5.14. The 4.10 gearset that was used in the mid-1970's 3/4 tons with an automatic transmission is extremely hard to find. Try looking for a GM 14 bolt corporate axle from the mid-1980's with a better selection of ratios. The ones from a small box truck with single rear wheels will be about the right width for the 3600. Good luck!
Jerry