The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop rear end swap advice

I will be swapping out rear end 59 apache 3200 with ford 9 inch with 4 link system. what width will work without fender well modification and what is the widest/tallest tire size can fit within stock wells? I would like to find rear end that will work without have to modify axle tubes. Anyone have any experience with this route? Thanks.

You need to take into account several pieces to answer that question.

The axle width (usually measured WMS-WMS) to see where the rims will be located.

The rim width/backspacing (to see where the inner and outer edge of the rim will be).

The tire width relative to the rim width (to see how much the tires will extend past the rims).

Are you planning to raise or lower the truck? If so, that will affect what tires can fit as well.

Do you know what kind/size of rims you want?

When I was picking an axle for my 58, I found the rims that I wanted, picked a tire the height I wanted that fit them, then worked backwards from there to the axle.

I have seen the axle from a 2004 Suburban put under a 59 with the stock (Suburban) rims/tires and that is just about the max outside width that will fit. I don't recall the measurements on that though.

With a little more information on your plans/goals, we can give you some better guidance.

When I was picking an axle for my 58, I found the rims that I wanted, picked a tire the height I wanted that fit them, then worked backwards from there to the axle.


all of the above starting with what look do you want aka rims and tires. then you will know your rim to hub spacing then you will know where your backing plates will be etc. then its get out the ruler.
example my 56 has a colorado rear end under it. not just any colorado rear end because even withing the same year there were 3 different widths.

Trying to help son resource parts. Great points, the truck will be lowered some, but not to the ground. He’ll need to pick some rims and look at width and backspacing. Thanks for the response.

Don't forget wheel offset - often more important than backspace. Basically it determines where the weight of the truck is carried relative to the wheel bearing. Incorrect offset can result in worn out bearings or broken spindles.

As a starting point, the stock axle for your 3200 is 61.02" wide according to the vehicle information kit from the GM Heritage Center (https://www.gm.com/heritage/archive/vehicle-information-kits)

That is very close to a 67-73 Mustang/Ranchero. Not sure what other donors you are considering.

If you still have the stock axle installed, you can measure the clearance to the frame and the fender to see how much space you have for more tire width. The fender tapers a bit, so if you want to go to taller tires, make sure you take that extra height into consideration when measuring the width.

Is there a specific reason for using a 4 link system, other than the brag factor of having one onboard? Major modifications of steering and/or suspension systems can have unintended (sometimes deadly) consequences in the event that an unexpected sharp turn, or maybe an S-curve is encountered at highway speed. Do plenty of homework and mock up your suspension system on a level shop floor with the frame tied down firmly at the desired ride height. That's how we built race car frames, and building a vehicle for use on public roads is far more safety-critical than offroad stuff. "Measure twice- - - -cut once!"
Jerry

"Measure twice- - - -cut once!"..............I cut my crossmember twice and it's still too short.