The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Caddy rearend

All,
Forgive me if this isn't the right forum, but I am a newbie. Currently I have a 57 stepside with a 235 and a 3 speed OD and stock rear end. I may be updating to a 283 as one fell in my lap that runs well enough not to overhaul, maybe ZZ4 long term plans. Anyway I have heard that a mid 80's caddy rearend is a direct fit for the task force trucks,it has rear leafs and disc brakes. Well I happen to find one and for $250 I can buy it. Has anybody any knowledge of this kind of conversion? Was it truely a direct fit? and what about a parking brakes as I would convert the front to disc also?

Willy 57

Welcome! This is as good of a place as any to post, so why not...

I haven't heard of using a Caddy rear end before. As far as I know, there are really only 2 considerations you need to be worried about: lug spacing and track width.

The '57 had 6 lugs originally, didn't it? (Can't remember.) If you're happy with carrying around 2 spare tires, or converting the front to 5-lug too, then that's no problem.

As for the width, grab a tape measure and see how wide each is. If it's close, it's a good fit.

You will need to weld new spring perches onto the axle (available at an alignment shop) and also you may need to modify the driveshaft (lengthen, shorten, or change ends).

No ideas about the e-brake, is it mechanical or hydraulic?

-Boyo

Check width from backing plate to backing plate. Look at the suspension setups on both vehicles to see the differences. You would need to convert to a power disk setup with a booster and dual-resevior master cyl. Besides the welding of rear suspension brackets & stuff, you'd have to get a driveshaft made with tranny u-joints on one end and caddy u-joint on other. Also, what gear ratios are available for that rear axle? You don't want to get stuck with some weird one-off caddy ratio.
Ask questions, take measurements, check parts availability, & look at manuals for both your truck and the donor car to see what will work.

good luck

chip

First Thanks for the replies. Forgive me as I will answer both of you at the same time. I would have to convert to 5 lugs but would do that while upgrading the front to disc. Chiphead I will be taking a tape measure with me but it's suppose to have the same track width and the spring perches are located in the same place. I will have to find out more, as this was going to go on a race car but he ditched the idea of going from coils to springs. But leads me to think that the parts must be available and gearing can't be all bad. If everything checks out I may change the gears anyway. I don't need to go 10 seconds in the 1/4, but in Connecticut if your not going 70 onto the on ramp you might as well be stopped. This is a daily driver and sometimes I get bored going the back roads, feel like I should be running shine.

Willy 57