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what are my options for a rear end when installing a v/8 engine in my 50 chevy 3100 ? can i use a late model silverado ? THANKS!

This decision would require taking some measurements.

Yes, I agree with taking measurements for sure, but I think you will find late model rear will be too wide. You can have it narrowed, but depending on axle availability, the cost starts to get up there.

Custom width 9" rears are another option, but very pricey.

For my 59, after some research I decided on a F*rd Explorer 8.8 with disc brakes, limited slip, 3.73 gear, 31 spline axles, 3200lb axle capacity, and 1/2" difference in width, which I found readily available used locally for around $250.

Google "8.8 ford rear end" and you will find sites like this:

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Axles.html

Gotchas with the "Exploder" 8.8 are that the pinion is offset from center (3" if I recall) and the bolt pattern is 5x4.5.

I've read the offset pinion is within normal limits of the u-joints.

For the bolt pattern dilemma, I’m going to go back to Fatman’s and swap them my hubs with a Chevy pattern (on my IFS Mustang II kit) for F*rd and all will match.

Chevy 10 bolt rear '71-81 camaro. Right width and it's a chevy!!!!! Why use other breed when they are readily available? You just have to move spring perches a little. That's a lot cheaper than cutting axles and shorting rear.

Put a pumpkin from a 55-62 1/2 ton. You don't have to modify any thing. You will need to use an O-drive trans. or change the gears to 3.38. I understand the rear end from 70's Blazers are the correct width & still retain the 6 bolt pattern. I have a Firebird rear end in my 58 but the front has been changed to 5 hole wheels & disc brakes.

Like Panhead said, the Camaro 10 Bolt will bolt right up with only some minor movement of the spring perches. You can also use 2002 Camaro, Trans Am disc brakes. They too will bolt up.
Match your front bolt patern with the rear and you will be set.

I'm using a Ford Dana 60 with 3.50 gears. The width worked, it was within an inch of the original. All I had to do was cut off and relocate the spring perches and shock mounts.
My GM wheels, I widened the center hole about an eighth of an inch in diameter, and then the 8 lugs fit through just fine.

Easy peazy, lemon squeezy.

I use a gm 10 bolt from a 69 camaro had to cut off the perches and use a super slider sprink kit from cpp.evrything bolted in very nicely and the kit moved the axle about an inch and half centering it in the wheel well.You can see some of the pictures on my photobucket link.

how much too wide is a late model silverado rear end when adapting t o the rear springs of a 5o chevy 3100 ? Thanks, Bob

About 8", whne you consider the track width differences (61" for the '50, and 66" for a Silverado, with stock wheels) and the wheel bacspace differences (3 1/2" vs 5 1/2").

Mid 70's Camaro worked for me.

What is the stock rear end width for the 1950 3100? I am looking around for a rear end to swap into mine and was just woundering what width I should be looking at.

You should get an assembly manual:
The late 70s/early 80s 10 bolt Camaro is a perfect fit.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1947...nuals_Literature&hash=item5197b6cf3a