The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Rearend swap 58 1\2 ton

Reentering the world of clasic Chevy trucks Had a 51 years ago ran out of $ and it went down the road.
Have 58 down to the chassis and have decided on front disc power brake coversion but would like to swap out rear for lowere ratio.
Have read of varios swaps from Camaro to Cadillac Does anyone have recommendation
It's a 235 with 3 on the tree. Not too concerned if shock mounts have to be moved
but would like similar width 5 bolt pattern and ratio in lower (numerically) than 3.90 .
I am guessing this subject has come up before but given choice of looking back through zillions of posts this seemed easier
Any help\advice appreciated
Thanks

Hey, another upstate guy.If you want the 5 lug Camaro type bolt pattern ,go with that axle.Its about the right width and readily available at reasonable prices.Common ratios are 2.76-3.50 something.You will probably have to weld on new spring saddles or perches. Your local hot rod shop will have those for less than 15 bucks a pair.

I got tired of the 3.9 ratio in my 59 and installed a camaro rear end in it. It was free, sitting in my Bro-in-laws yard. Came out of a late 70's/early 80 camaro. I forget the exact measurements now, but it was skinnier than the existing axle,but not by much. I cut the saddles off of it, made my own saddles out of 2 inch channel, welded them on after we determined the pinion angle.
Had to get one of those special U-joints from NAPA that is 2 differnt sizes, but it was instock,and pretty inexpensive. ($20 or less)
The ratio is 3.08, and I cant complain because the Price was right. If I had to do it over again,or if I ever get off my butt, I would like to change the ratio to 3.4. (Iam running a 305/350 turbo combo)
I have 6 lug in the front still, but a power brake conversion is in my future. (doing the power steering conversion now)

all in all,it was an easy change.

Thanks guys . All new to me . If I go with the Camaro should I look for a stick or an auto ? I know the ratios are probably different. If the rear is out of the vehicle how can I ID it as to the ratio.

Oh by the way Tony the definition of upstate is getting kinda blurry over here on the east side of the state . NYC is spreading northward at an alarming rate. The Citiots as we call them keep buying up the countryside and driving up the prices for all the locals. Oh well guess that's progress. NOT !!!!!!!

When buying a used rear, you should pull the inspection cover to have a look inside.Then you can rotate the pinion counting the turns to make the ring gear go around once.The ring gear is usually marked with the tooth count of it and the pinion.I guess this area is really western NY state.

For those of you who are geographically challenged, upstate New York starts in (or near) Yonkers and ends in (or near) Plattsburg.

What would be a reasonable price for a early 60's GMC 1/2 ton rear end (including delivery cost)? Was there a 3.07 GMC rear in the early 60's? Does anyone know a website (or book) that lists GMC rear end ratios (and maybe casting codes) for 50's & 60's trucks?

It might be warm enough to do some painting this weekend in upstate NY. Ain't life grand?

Tim