The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline rear end

thinking about putting a 79 chevy 4x4 rear end, 3.73 gears, in my 53 3100, will it fit? wheel face to wheel face is 641/2 inch i know i will have to re-do the spring seats. any thing else?

Sounds like it is about 3 inches wider than stock, so your wheels will be pushed out 1 1/2 inches on each side.

root,in my opinion,have you considered trying an S10 4wd pickup,the width on them are right at 61 inches. Check it out and the parts are readily available. I have saw where some people,used the ZR2 version.I have an 85 S10 4wd Blazer,which is narrower than the S10truck. Just to let you know,I had to go with 1.5 billet aluminum spacers to make up the difference. I should have went with the S104wd truck. I ended getting 3:73gears,in the rearend,with posi-trac, for 50.00, the reason I ended with the spacers. For 50.00, decided to keep it. All I had to do was change the spring perches,shock mounts.If you click on the photo bucket in this post you can see the before and after project on my ole blue 3600,3/4ton. Best Regards.

Thanks for the input. i still think i will go with the 79 rear end so i can keep the 6 lug.

A 1/2 ton truck center section from '55 to '62 will bolt right into your axle. Then you can keep your six bolt wheels

Another option would be to use a Colorado rear diff, they are about the right width and are 6 lug.

I looked in a colorado rear, it is the right width and six lug, but a little out of sight on the price,over $500. thanks for input.

Don't know if this will help but here is a little tip that can take the guesswork away if you are considering installing a donor rear end.
Take a stick and make it the exact inside measure. brake drum to brake drum of the original rear end. This makes for a very precise gauge while going to a junk yard to check sizes. Its quick and accurate. In my case I found a 1971 Olds rear end and the fit was within 3/4" of the original & it looks stock under my truck.
Hope this can be of help to you.