The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Converting the '54 Sub to open driveline....

Stovebolters!!! I'm preparing to convert my '54 Suburban to open driveline and want some input to ensure I'm not dropping the ball, I hate doing things twice!!!

My sub is equipped with a 235 and my plan is to put a saginaw 4spd behind it (recommended by Patricks) then a new driveshaft and a chevy 10 bolt with 6 lug pattern at the rear.

I got the tranny from a friend who had it in his '51 5 window. I don't know much about it other than it's the same width as mine and it's a six lug. I'm going to have it checked out before I install it to check the gearing ratio but just want to be sure I'm going about this properly.

Any input would be appreciated. Thank you

Something to remember is that the center bolt for the rear springs is located forward on the closed drive springs of where they are on the open drive springs.

Got it. I forgot to mention new springs all the way around.

Dirty

While you have it apart replace the flexible brake hose and if there is any question replace the hard lines too.

Don't be surprised if your speedometer is off after the swap.

A six lug tranny? How interesting.

Ya it's the newest thing.....my error, guess I should learn to proof read.

Dirty

Hey Cletis , Good Morning. Im a 57 year old "beginner" on trk restoring - and been reading alot of archives here when i noticed ur in parker county - I live betwen weatherford and Brock. I've got a 53 1/2 ton commercial that im trying to do a frame off restore on. I know weatherford has a car club but havent meet anybody yet,are you in it? Do you have a steering wheel puller for a chevy? ha ha ha :o)

Well guys, the rear end I had secured for the open driveline conversion is a no go so I'm looking for some further input on what rear end to grab.

So far, I've heard '82-up S-10 rear ends will work, 70-81 Camaro/ Firebirds, and 75-79 Novas.

I'd like to have a gear ratio of 3.55 or higher since I'm running the Saginaw 4spd and not a 5 spd.

I've also heard there's a Toyota rear end that some folks are using.

So any input you could give me would be greatly appreciated as my suburban is currently on the lift at a local shop apart and taking up space.

Dirty

Dirty;
Check out the late 60's Chevy half-ton rear ends. You can stay with 6 lugs that way and many of them had a 3:08 gear set.

Thanks Waldo, I'll look into that.

Dirty

toyota 4x4 has 6 lug and they are strong rearends with axle dia. larger than a ford 9"

Any idea what Toyota rear end is applicable?

I put a 2002 for explorer 8.8 - 3L73 posi traction on mi is strong like 9" rear and you can found in the junkyard, if you need more info let me now.