The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop What years are the same for rearends?

I am looking at putting a 3:55 kit in my 46. I have held off due to cost. I found one a guy never got around to installing and is ready to let it go. He listed it for a 48-53 Chevy. Most places show 40 to 53? Do you think this kit will slide right in my 46? The price sure is right so I hope the answer is yes.

If anybody would know it would be Patrick Dykes. He is the one that engineered that kit.

Yah..I am guessing it is a patrick's. Looking at the catalogs, they all list the same part number for a 46 VS a 48 to 53.

I was hoping to find out if there were any changes between 46 and 53 to the rearend before buying.

The seller may have the part number available too.

The rear ends should be the same with a few exceptions that really have nothing to do with what you need to know. Such as, the 1941 to 1947.1 1/2 ton trucks had a torque tube setup that was about 1.5 to 2" shorter then a 1947.2 and newer. Also the earlier trucks had different spring perches.

Internally they should be the same.

Jeff

If the price is right, buy it and if it doesn't fit, save it for the AD that your gonna restore next!
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

Does the 3.55 kit include the bearing/bushing/seal kit? If you call Patrick, ask it the kit fits your truck. The kit is a good thing to include as part of this conversion.

Please post what you learn from the discussion with Patrick.

Tim

OK..Here is what the seller is telling me;

The kit is a Patrick's 3:55. It is new in the box along with the the seals, bearings and bushing kit. He bought it for his 53 but never got around to it and is now willing to let it all go for half price. Seller said everything is still in boxes and he has the receipt to show date of purchse and exactly what he bought.

I called Patrick's. The only thing that I will need to buy is a different torque tube bushing. The 47.5 to 54 don't use the same bushing as my 46. The seal/bearings along with the gears are all the same from 41 to 54 1st.

And wow...I have never called Patrick's. Those guys are some very nice people. Patrick's told me they will send me instructions if I need them.

Looks like I am getting a set of 3:55's!

Congratulations.

Patrick & his son are very good fellows. They believe in full customer satisfaction. Many other vendors sell Patrick's parts (gears-sets, headers, manifolds, etc) and Patrick is very willing to provide advice regarding these parts, no matter where they were obtained.

Tim

Hope the son keeps up the tradition, most don't.
I wish they would invest some effort in a kit for the 3600's.
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

I have spoken to Patrick and Phillup A few times on the phone. They are really passionate about our old trucks. That 3.55 conversion is probably the best thing since sliced bread. It allows the older trucks to be driven a little bit more comfortably without installing one of those v thing motors.

Update on the 3:55 kit, I drove 2 hours to pick it up. It was new in the box, none of the bags or boxes had been opened. Owner had the receipt from August of 2007 in his name. He had a 53 and was going to swap out the gears, but decided to sell the truck instead.

I hope to start on the install in the next couple of days.

A guy never knows what places you can find parts. This was a pretty cool place. The guy specialized in truck boxes. He said he had 110 boxes, all makes, etc on hand at this time. I saw several nice 55 second and newer stepside boxes, along with a whole pile of fleetside boxes. He had a 30's or 40's vintage chev cab on hand, but I did not dare look for fear it would follow me home. He bought them all in warmer, dryer climates and hauled them back home to the rust belt.