Is there a resource somewhere that shows axle diameter and spline count for the torque tube rears?
The reason I ask...looking into the possibility of swapping a '57 center section into my '36 housing. From what I've learned here from others, it should bolt in, but what I don't know is if the axles are compatible. Been trying to research the spline count/axle size for my '36, but not having much luck.
The center section I located looks to be 18 spline.
Would it be possible to swap the side gears in the differential from the '36 rear end to the later model center section? That might make it possible to use the original axles with the later model center.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
I tried doing that with my 39 and it was a no go. The center section from the 57 uses hypoid gears, the 39 did not. The center section from the 57 would physically bolt into the 39 housing but the alignment was all off. I would expect the same with the 36 housing. GM started using hypoid gears in 40. In my 39, I used a 40 housing and axles with the 57 center section and all was good
I've mentioned elsewhere that my buddy used a 39 housing and axles in his coupe with a 55-59 center. That housing came from a frame he bought with no title, no cab/body to ID it from, so it seems likely it was a 40+ frame based on what Don said above. Pretty sure he hasn't bothered to look at casting dates or part numbers on it, though now I'm curious.
The 36 Model FB ½ ton axle is 10 splines – 28 7/16 O.L. R\L. 57 ½ ton axle is 17 splines-30 5/8 Right, 29 5/8 Left O.L and a minimum diameter of 1.156
Well, ask, and you shall receive! Thanks for finding or sharing that. You guys are very resourceful. I spent quite a bit of time searching for something like that.