The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 37 axle vs 48 to 54

Is it possible to replace 1937 front suspension with 48 to 54 as a bolt in or possibly just use the later axle?
Thanks
Dale

Yes its a bolt in, my truck has the newer axle, it was in there when I bought it. I never new it till I tried changing king pins. As far as the steering arms go, I have no idea what is on mine, it was pretty rough when I got it so you may need to stick with '37 on them.

Joe

I'm running a 42-54 front axle on my 37 pickup. It is actually a heavier axle than the 37 axle and is probably a good idea to use one. I am also running 54 truck steering arms, well actually the stering arm on the left side, and the right arm. Your tie rod will work with the newer axle. In addition, if you use the newer tie rod ends, you will move the "design age" of your front end from 73 years old to 56 years old. It also give you the opportunity to use up to 54 front backing plates, hubs and drums. In addition, if you ever decide to go to a different rear end gear ratio, and it's a car rear end with a Chevrolet five lug bolt pattern, you can change the hubs on that front axle to 54 car five lug hubs. In my case, I am running a 55 car rear axle (open drive line) with the Chevrolet five lug bolt pattern and the 54 car lugs on the front of my truck with the 54 car hubs. I'm five lugs all the way around. It opens up many different wheel choices and the open drive line is easily adapted to the T-5 five speed transmission that so many Stovebolters have put in their trucks.
Any way you look at it, your idea of using the heavier front axle has got to be a good move.

On my 46 I wanted to stay 6 lug, so I'm using the 46 'I' beam but with 57 half ton (modern) brakes, also aftermarket roller bearings. In back I'm running 65 half ton rear end. You gotta love Chevies, almost everything will interchange, sorta. It's like that old Johnny Cash song, "One piece at a time".