The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline 1946 parking brake cables on 1955 rearend

Hello,

I purchased a rearend that was supposed to be a 1949 with a 1955 differential but not convinced it is a 1949. I am installing it on a short bed 1946 frame with a 700R4. I am planning to use the old parking brake setup for a 1946 with the rod running from the tranny to the cross member. I have already built the parking brake bracket to the tranny. Does anyone know if the 1946 parking brake cables work with that model of brake system. I have 11 inch drums with non-self adjusting drum brakes.

Thanks,
Bill

Bill - If it is a '49 axle housing, the brakes should still be original "Huck" style (no self-adjusters) which would use the same style parking brake actuating hardware under the drums. I haven't been able to check the actuating hardware between the '46 and '49 axles in the Chevy Master Parts Books, but since they are both the "Huck" style, they may be the same and could be the '46 rear parking brake cables will work with the '49 axle.

If I get a chance tomorrow, I'll see what I can find more on the actuator parts and cables. In the mean time, perhaps you can post some pictures of the rear brakes, backing plate, etc. so we can see for sure what you have?

thanks for response Gdads51. I answered my own question after some tinkering. I assume I have a post-52 rearend per the configuration of the backing plate since I can use Bendix brakes but still unsure. The 1946 brake cables will work though on the Bendix brake setup thankfully.

Glad you were able to figure it out and that all is working correctly!