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| | | Forums66 Topics128,054 Posts1,055,780 Members48,426 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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#69652 12/06/2006 1:47 AM | Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 327 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 327 | I have chance to get some new rear axles for my 54 3100 for $50.00 a pair They are out of a 1953 3100 are they the same..what should I look for in these. Thanks Peter | | |
#69653 12/06/2006 3:07 AM | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | Petmil, as I understand it that are because I plan to use a 55 1/2 ton rearend in place of my torque tube, in my 52panel, and I'm told the axles are the same. At least for the 1/2 ton. Don't take it on my word yet as I have not actually done it yet. I am sure someone who has will be along shortly. | | |
#69654 12/06/2006 6:01 AM | Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 439 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 439 | I used the '53 axles in the '60 pumpkin swapped into the '53 housing. Unless '54 is a one-year axle, they are the same. | | |
#69655 12/06/2006 6:25 AM | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | 1951-61 1/2 ton are the same.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | |
#69656 12/06/2006 4:04 PM | Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 327 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 327 | | | |
#69657 12/07/2006 3:52 AM | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | colin, what gear is the 60?? I have a 55 to put in my 52 housing but it is a 3.90. Maybe I should look for a later model..higher gear. I'm going V8. | | |
#69658 12/07/2006 10:40 PM | Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 439 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 439 | Achipmunk, as Pre '68 Dave said the axles are the same till '61. I think the ratios were only available for trucks as 3.90 and 4.10. That said, the '60 rear was a 3.90.
I don't know if the hydramatic eqquiped trucks had a different rear axle/ratio. I'd be interested to learn about that.
If you had an overdrive behind your V8 you could run the 3.90 easily. If not, you can still run it, your gas mileage won't be all that great though. That said, I would find a completely different differential.
Good Luck. | | |
#69659 12/08/2006 2:07 AM | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 395 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 395 | If you are talking just axel shaft they are same...doc | | |
#69660 12/08/2006 3:27 AM | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | Auto trucks used 3.38 ratio, that Patrick's reproduces.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | |
#69661 12/08/2006 4:50 AM | Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 117 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 117 | The hydra-matic trucks (54 to 57) used a 3.90 gear.
cgresham1212 If you don't drive it, why have it? 55 1st Series 3100 5 window
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#69662 12/08/2006 5:59 AM | Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 439 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 439 | | | |
#69663 12/08/2006 6:06 PM | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,953 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,953 | Peter check for wear on the hub ends of the shafts which can be caused by either a bearing or a seal. I went through about 10 axle shafts before I found a set that which were not too badly worn. Some have suggested a speedi-sleeve or a sweat weld to build up the groove but it won't work. People today will weld axles but those are not 50 year old ones. | | |
#69664 12/09/2006 7:16 AM | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 339 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 339 | My 52 3100 has a 411 ratio, and the ole engine putting some rpm's at 55mph....seriously would like to go 373 or so...Any suggestions... BB | | |
#69665 12/09/2006 9:33 PM | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 | Bill there are 3.55 gears available for that rear end. Most all the specialty suppliers handle them & the rebuild kit. They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | |
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