The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop is this normal?

... usually I ask my doctor that question...but,

this diff does not appear to be the stock torque tube style. Any ideas what is going on here?

http://s910.photobucket.com/albums/...vy/?action=view&current=P1030861.jpg

http://s910.photobucket.com/albums/...vy/?action=view&current=P1030862.jpg

I'm thinking that with this setup I can simply cut the driveshaft to length to fit my newer year diff?

Looks like a stock 3800 driveline to me.
Depending on what differential you're using, you may be able to directly swap without altering the driveshaft, other than perhaps a dual size U joint.

good news if it is. I was not happy with the alternatives for swapping out this diff/trans combo and this will make things much easier.

Any knowledge on what diff. will swap in without cutting? I plan on switching all 4 wheels to a standard 5 bolt.

If you are planning on switching to standard 5 bolt, then it does not matter what diff. you have now because you will have a different diff. when you are done with your swap.

fiveoh...are you thinking that you could swap to a 1/2 ton AD diff to get the five lugs? No you cannot. As Lonny points out it really doesn't matter what you have now and the driveline will be different anyway up to and possibly including the transmission. You'll need to get rid of the front shaft too and hqve a custom shaft made.

Not necessarily. If the original trans is being used, the rear U joint can be adapted to whatever yoke is on the replacement rearend using a dual size u joint. Did just that once on a '49 3800 that we had swapped a Dana 60 out of a 3/4 ton Dodge van into. The Van yoke took a smaller cap size, so we installed a Spicer u joint with dual cap sizes. Worked just fine.
Now, without being 100% sure of what direction fiveoh is going, it's hard to say what diff should be used or what to do with the driveshaft. I will say that you're going to looking at a front axle swap, too, as none of the aftermarket 5 lug parts will fit the 1 ton axle.

cool...thanks guys.

The plan is now to pull the AD design diff completely. I'll take the rear drive shaft to have it cut and a matching yoke put on if the new u-joint combination can't be found.