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| | | | Joined: May 2010 Posts: 144 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: May 2010 Posts: 144 | I want to replace the entire rear axle on my '53 3600 in order to get a higher speed differetial. My original axle has a 4.56:1 diff and measures 53" wide and the drive shaft is off set to the drivers side being 24" from the left and 29" from the right. How critical is this alignment of the drive shaft in my finding an 8 lug axle with the ratio that I am looking for?
Thanks
John | | | | | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 | More critical is that 53 inches seems pretty narrow to me. Where did you measure that? I always consider the most critical dimension the wheel mounting surface to wheel mounting surface (WMS to WMS). I don't recall the stock number for a 3600 but something closer to 62 inches is what I'd expect. If you have a conventional bed with fenders this will be critical. If you have a flatbed its not as big a deal but you still need to be in the right ball park.
If you get an axle that is either too wide or too narrow you will have wheel and tire fitment problems. If the spring pads are in the wrong place they can be easily moved but the overall width is not cheap or easy to change.
Regarding the alignment of the drive shaft there are limits as to how far universal joints should be asked to flex but any axle with the pinion near the center should be close enough.
1955 1st GMC Suburban | 1954 GMC 250 trailer puller project | 1954 GMC 250 Hydra-Matic | 1954 Chevy 3100 . 1947 Chevy COE | and more...
It's true. I really don't do anything but browse the Internet looking for trouble... | | | | | Joined: May 2010 Posts: 144 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: May 2010 Posts: 144 | I measured the inside distance from under the truck from backing plate to backing plate. The wheels of course are mounted to the outside of the drums. I will remove the wheels and get the outside to outside dimension as well as you have pointed out, that "that is where the rubber meets the fender well (or not)". MY point of the question was related to the drive shaft off set.
Thanks
John | | | | | Joined: May 2010 Posts: 144 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: May 2010 Posts: 144 | I measured from wheel mounting surface to same on other side and it is 62 1/2". On closer inspection, the drive shaft is in the center, the differential housing is shifted to the drivers side.
Thanks for the help.
John | | | | | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 | Those numbers sound more in line with my expectations.
1955 1st GMC Suburban | 1954 GMC 250 trailer puller project | 1954 GMC 250 Hydra-Matic | 1954 Chevy 3100 . 1947 Chevy COE | and more...
It's true. I really don't do anything but browse the Internet looking for trouble... | | |
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