The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 1940 GMC 1/2 ton rear end

The rear end on my '40 looks like it was converted to a gas shock setup. There are brackets, that don't appear to be factory installed, welded to the top of the axle housing. Right next to them are some small indentations on top of the housings. Does anyone know what these indentations are for and whether those brackets are stock? Am I missing some parts? I can't seem to find a good picture or diagram of how that rear end should look stock. If anyone has good a picture of one that they could post or email me that would be great. I'm having the front and rear axle assy's powdercoated soon and if those brackets aren't stock then I want them off of there.

Thanks for any replies.
Neil
1940 GMC 1/2 ton
1934 Chevy 1/2 ton

Neil - Unless those brackets are part of the original knee action hydraulic shocks, I doubt they are original. My '39 chevy 1/2 ton chevy came with an aftermarket overload spring arrangement on top of the axle. Could these brackets be the aftermath of something like that?
Are there any spots on the frame where overloads may have rubbed at one time? I'm not sure that I have the correct torque tube in my '39. It seems too wide. Could you do me a favor and measure your rear axle from backing plate to backing plate or from the outside of the drums? I'm about 60" which is 2" wider than my front. That'll give me a reference point. If its not original I may go to an open driveline. Thanks

NEIL,

I have a 1940 AC150 3/4 ton panel truck that I could send a picture of , if you are still interested. I have the body off now so it would be a good tine.

GARY

Gary - Thanks; if you could also put a tape measure on it I'd appreciate it.

Gary - some pictures would be a great help. I'd really appreciate it.

Gaffbro - my backing plates are 56-5/16" from outside lip to outside lip of the plates.

Thanks for the info guys.

Neil
1940 GMC 1/2 ton
1934 Chevy 1/2 ton

Do you want the pictures digitally or do I need an address? Forgive me but I am new.

Gary

Neal
If you need some pics still I have a 40 GMC 3/4 ton. I could go out in the garage take a few pics and send them right away
Stuart

Oops! Sorry guys. I didn't forget you, I just forgot where my most recent posts were. I've got too many things going on at once. Yes, pictures would be great. I think I've got things pretty well figured out and I'm buying the bumper saddles, etc from Barry Weeks. But any additional info/confirmation of what the heck I'm trying to do would be great. You can just email them to me at [email protected]. I'd appreciate it. Thank you Gary and Stuart.

Neil,

I sent you some pictures I hope they help.

Bill Schickling

Welcome to Bill Schickling!!

Don't mean to hi-jack this thread, I have talked to you before about your 40 pick up.

Some of you others may have seen Bill's web site where he chronicles the building of his 40 truck!

Check it out! It's a good place to visit!

http://
home.twcny.rr.com/shickling/1940Chevy/index/html

Glad to have you aboard Bill!!

Joe

Gee, I guess I had better drop in more often.

Thanks for mention Joe.

Bill