The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Replacing rear end on 47 first series 3/4 ton

I want to replace, not repair, the rear end on my 47 (first series) 3/4 ton truck. I would like to replace the (8 lug) rear axle that is currently in it with another 3/4 ton (8 lug) in order to get more modern brakes. Can anyone tell me what rear end would fit? Also considering the same for the front. I am in the process of replacing the 216 with a 235 out of a 1957. I will probably replace the stock 3-speed w/ a T5(?) in the future.

Try and find a front and rear axles from a 53 or 54 Chevy or GMC. They will have bendix style brakes and should be close to a bolt in swap. Also if you are planing on going with a t5 you might need to change hogs heads for the later trans bolt pattern. Do a search on the t5 and I'm sure you will get answers.

Buckeye, I replaced the rear in my '53 3/4 with one from a '68 F#*d, it's a Dana 60, 8-lug, 3.70 gears..had to move spring and shock mounts,and modify driveshaft..but it's the narrowest 8-lug I could find..most of the new stuff is much wider..stock '53,'54 gears will be 4.56's..can be converted to 4.10 at best I believe..my $.02

Oh..and the center whole on the stock Chevy wheel is smaller than all other makes..so the wheels need to be replaced..(forgot 'cause I'm running vintage 8-lug Vector mags)

Thanks for the great advice. Just discovered this website and love it already!

You can run non Chevy wheels on your Chevy axle. Sometimes it works the other way around, but not always.
Take a tape measure to a junk yard and start measuring for track width. You may concentrate on ford vans.
Grigg