The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop changing out pumpkin out of my 54 1/2 ton

I've found a 57 1/2 pumpkin for my pickup I just have to go pick it up. I can finely have an open drive line. How do I go about doing it. Do I pull the axels out a little bit then pull the center chunk out? Then put the new on in and reinstall the axels? I've got a 4 speed open drive line transmission to go in also. What do I look for in getting a drive shaft for it? Just needing to know what to do step by step. Some one also mention having to weld somthing on the rear also. Thanks mark

Jack up the rear, pull the hubs and drums. There are 4 retainer bolts under the axle flange. Remove them. You may have to use a slide hammer to pull the axle shaft. Put at least 2 bolts to hold the brake backing plate on. If you pull the shafts out 6 or 8 inches, you will have enough clearance to pull the third member. You can then remove the bolts and pull the third member. You will probably have to get a shaft made. If your 4 speed has a companion shaft, measure from the center of where the U joint goes to the center of the flange on the third member. This will be the measurement the person that makes the drive shaft needs. With a closed drive shaft, the drive shaft prevented the springs from winding up. This required a pivot in front of the axle at the spring. This will have to be welded tight. Some time ago there was a good photo posted on oldgmctrucks.com of how to do it. I think it was posted by WDOFTEXAS.