The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 49 chevy 1/2 ton rear end help

hello all i got a 49 1/2 ton short bed and i wanna update the torque tube rear end and transmission,is there any sugessions on what rears will fit,im looking for what years and stuff will fit,im also planning on lowering it down maybe a flip kit in the rear,also wht trannys will be a bolt in or close to bolt in thanks,dan

fast57delivery, I just wanted add that you have the option of going with newer 3sp, 4sp or 5sp. You might get lucky and find a drive shaft the right length or have one built. After you go through all the tech tips you'll find out about rear axle location, to center or not to center. If you want to retain the original springs, note that they get wider at the rear. I prefer the Camaro rear axle and springs and make up new perches. The old I6 loves tall gears, but keep track of your ratio's, and tire size. The new rear axle setup will lower the truck a little, but to get it down 2" or 3" lowering blocks will do it. Check out all the trucks you can find and ask questions, and it will all come togeather.

i have a 79 nova in my 54 with a s-10 5 speed. the only problem is the rear ratio is only 2.73 but others are available. the one i have fell in my lap cheap and works for me, relatively flat land driving. ron

I'm just wrapping up a driveline swap in mine. I used a rear from a 70's-early 80's Firebird. It is actually about .50" narrower than the stock rear. I seem to have been able to throw a pair of 225/75's on 15" junkyard steelies. I used the leaf springs from the donor Firebird. Don't know myself how much I can safely lower it though. Ignoring the bump-stop, with no spacers the axle sits about 6" from the frame rail. I have a long bed 1/2 ton and after all was said and done, I did require a 2-piece driveshaft. Be open to that option if you are considering lowering yours.

did you have to repasition the spring mounts for the swap