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| | | | Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 531 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 531 | Just found out this morning that my rear end is shot (on my 56 1/2 ton, my other rear end is already gone!)... I did a search here and couldn't get info. So here's my thinking and my questions:
1. I'm figuring that this is a good time to upgrade the ratio
2. It'll probably cost as much to rebuild as it would to find a bolt in replacement
3. What's the easiest bolt in that will not create other problems with springs lineup, drive shaft length, brakes, etc.
4. I've heard that 55-7 Chevy sedan auto would work... or 71-81 Camero.
Has anyone gone thru this? Thanks!
| | | | | Joined: May 2008 Posts: 49 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: May 2008 Posts: 49 | I put a 3rd gen Camaro (1985) 3.23 ratio in my 55 2nd. It is the right width, but is a long way from being a bolt in. I cut all the brackets off and ground down the welds, then welded new spring perches. Driveshaft worked and emergency brake cables hooked up. It made a good installation. I put disc brakes on the front to match up all the bolt patterns.
Hugh
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,897 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,897 | No such thing as a bolt in... unless you get a 55-59 chevy or gmc rear. Interesting side note... gmc rears had a 3.08 ratio available.
The closest to a bolt in would probably be a 10 or 12 bolt truck rearend. If using a 1960s vintage 12 bolt, even your parking brake cables will work. The perches do have to be cut off and new axle perches welded in. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 549 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 549 | 2. It'll probably cost as much to rebuild as it would to find a bolt in replacement
Has anyone gone thru this? Thanks! Just food for thought, for about $700.00 you can get a 3.38 set up and everything you need to rebuild from Patricks in AZ. That'll put you at about 2800 RPM at 70 MPH and is a lot easier to do than an entire swap. | | |
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