The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop ring & pinion #s??

Can anyone tell me where I can figure out what some numbers mean on a rearend housing. It is suspected that the housing is from a mid-50's to early-60's Chevy truck and I am wondering if it will mate to my '53 3600. My truck still has the stock rearend and I would like to upgrade it so that I can drive comfortably on the highway at speed. Does anyone know if this rearend will work? There are three sets of #s: (1)located on the ring gear "3736508 11 37RD3 62" (2)on the housing "C262 3725899 GM81" (3) another set located on/near ring gear "1 SO M37539 11 37 3 62" and then there is a "59" inside a square on the part that bolts to the ring. I have only seen pictures of this rearend, so I am sorry if the descriptions are vague. I am correct in stating that my truck has a two-piece drive shaft and the half coming out of the transmission is a torque-tube design and the other half that connects to the rearend is open shaft? If this rearend doesn't look like it would work then what other vehicles might be good donors? Thanks, in advance, for any input and advice.
-Shane

If it is out of a 3/4 ton (3600), then the pumpkin should just bolt in. May not help, though. The 67-72 auto (and some manual) trans trucks had a 4.10 ratio vs the 4.57 in the earlier trucks. The carrier is slightly different as well. Patricks sells a 3.90 ring and pinion that will go into a 67-72 carrier. To check the ratio, count the turns at the pinion yoke to make the axle turn 1 rev (if only one end turns, divide by 2). If the unit is apart, count the teeth and divide ring by pinion.
If the axel is out of another truck, it may be usable, but check the width between axel faces to make sure your tires will fit. Accordin to others here, you can get a u-joint made that will connect your open driveline to almost any rear end. Good luck.

the 37 divided by 11 equals 3.36 may be a 1/2 ton? someone here will let you know. as far as I have found out the rear end ratios for a 1951 3/4 ton wich I just did a swap on from 4:57 to 4:11 are as follows - 5:14 or 4:57 or 4:11 and the hard to find 3:73 that came in some 67 to 72 big block automatic trans suburbans.
Look for a 3/4 ton with automatic trans up to a 1972. You can just remove the rear cover to see the numbers to tell what ratio it is without removeing the pig/pumpkin. Your 53 should be the same as my 51 if it is a 3 speed -10 bolt to houseing 8 bolt axel shafts. good luck Bill

Thanks Highflyer and Bill,

My truck is 4-on-the-floor. I just want to clarify some selection criteria. I need to make sure that the bolt patterns on the donor rear-end/axle match the patterns on my housing and shafts. Also, does it have to be from a 3/4 ton or could it come from a 1/2 ton? I like the Patrick's idea, I have heard a lot about their products but I just don't know if I am ready to drop that much cash on one thing with so many others standing in the aisle. Oh by the way, if any of you guys are big hockey fans, I am always open to discussion. I spent my fair share of time in the Sin Bin. -Shane

it has to be a 3/4 ton the easy & inexspensive way is a pig/pumpkin swap just drop the drive shaft,pull the axels , unbolt the pig/pumpkin and it will pull right out. What ratio do you have now?
are your rims 8 lug? taller tires help some also. good luck Bill