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| | | | Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 33 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 33 | This question has probably been asked 100 times but has anyone found the perfect rearend that bolts into the chevy 1/2 ton. I have the transmission out of a 1955 chevy four speed and have access to my neighbors junk yard thats full of posibilitys. thanks for any response.
doug | | | | | Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,682 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,682 | Seems like i've read that a 70's Nova was a just about dead on match as far as width was concerned, but it still involved some moving of the springs or something.
As far as direct bolt in replacement, I haven't heard of one (besides another '50 1/2 ton rear end)
an idea is only stupid if you think about it rationally.
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 33 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 33 | yeah i've heard the nova rear end is probably the closest match some where i read you have to swap the springs end for end. my truck has the overload springs and has some funky spring perch that is mounted on the front of the axle. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 33 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 33 | yeah i've heard the nova rear end is probably the closest match some where i read you have to swap the springs end for end. my truck has the overload springs and has some funky spring perch that is mounted on the front of the axle. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 | That funky spring perch is because the '50 has a torque tube drive line. That '55 4-speed is probably an open drive setup.
What is this truck going to be when its finished? If its going to be used as a truck a '55 1st series rear is an easy swap and a good choice. If you want great mileage (okay, maybe only better mileage) you want to make sure you get a gear ratio that gives that. If you are drag racing you want something deeper.
I put a '73 Chevelle rear under my '55 1st and have been very happy with it. I had to trim the coil spring and 4-link stuff off and weld spring pads on, but its worked very well for several years now.
1955 1st GMC Suburban | 1954 GMC 250 trailer puller project | 1954 GMC 250 Hydra-Matic | 1954 Chevy 3100 . 1947 Chevy COE | and more...
It's true. I really don't do anything but browse the Internet looking for trouble... | | | | | Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 33 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 33 | steve, thanks for your input. the four speed is out of a 2nd series 55. so is the 54/55 1st series a different gear ratio, that would allow better highway speed? or would find a rearend out of a car? the truck is going to left stock 235 6 volt just trying for better speed.
doug | | |
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