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#73744 02/22/2007 4:59 PM | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 65 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: May 2005 Posts: 65 | Considering buying a 1950 GMC 3/4 ton from a fellow stovebolter. I know the parts from a 67-72 can be used to change the axle ratio to 4.1 which is definitely an option.
As an alternative, how difficult is it to swap the whole rear axle out for something more modern with 5 or 6 bolt drum brakes? I would consider doing this to improve highway speed and take advantage of the 5 or 6 bolt front disc brake kits (have a 1/2 ton front axle that I could swap in).
Not interested in putting in an OD transmission right now. Truck comes with the stock 4 speed and I also have a newer SM420 to use if I get remove the torque tube.
Thanks,
Bob
1950 Chevrolet 1300
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#73745 02/22/2007 5:39 PM | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 363 Member | | Member Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 363 | Admittedly, I had been away for a while as the same questions were getting old and some of you may think this is a little cranky of me, but... Here is the answer to your question 3/4 ton rear end swap | | |
#73746 02/22/2007 5:48 PM | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 65 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: May 2005 Posts: 65 | That link just took me to the please read section about doing a search first. I did a search before posting and found tons of info about swapping in the 4.1 gears but did not find anything specific about swapping out the whole rear axle. Maybe I didn't use the correct key words.
I know it is easy on a 1/2 ton but the rear suspension is different on a 3/4 ton.
Any helpful replies would be appreciated.
1950 Chevrolet 1300
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#73747 02/22/2007 6:08 PM | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 363 Member | | Member Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 363 | A simple search for "rear end swap" turns up 15 pages.
Okay Bob, I'll bite. How is the suspension different on a 1950 3/4 ton truck than any other open driveline truck? Find a rear end you like with similar measurements in the tech tips section, grind off the spring perches, line it up, weld on the perches and U bolt it together. Get a driveshaft made and you are off to the races.
I think if you follow the instructions for swapping out the entire rear end on a 1/2 ton truck, pay careful attention to welding on your spring perches and setting your pinion angle correctly, you'll be just fine. Its actually easier to swap the entire rear on a 3/4 ton than a half ton if you ask me.
If you are going to use the 4 speed with a fixed yoke, you can choose to use a carrier bearing or a slip drive shaft, or both. | | |
#73748 02/22/2007 6:14 PM | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 65 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: May 2005 Posts: 65 | Thank-you. That is the type of info I was looking for. I assumed that it would be relatively easy, like the 1/2 ton, but also know sometimes there can be little details that make a project a lot more difficult.
I just did another search of the topic and found some useful information. I was likely too specific with the terms in my previous search.
1950 Chevrolet 1300
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