| |
Click on image for the lowdown. 
====
| | | Forums66 Topics128,192 Posts1,057,355 Members48,469 | | Most Online14,466
Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
| | THANKS!
For helping keep this great
old truck web site
on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down
with Ads!  Again, thanks!
| | | | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 341 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 341 | I'm sure this has been discussed but I searched and couldn't find. I was told a TF 1/2 ton rear axle and driveline could be swapped into an AD 1/2 ton ('53) by reversing the springs with some shackle modifications. This apparently moves the rear wheels back about 2" which more or less centers them in the fender openings.
Does anyone have any experience with this?
Allan
-----
1951 GMC 1/2-ton
Two 1953 Chevy 3100 5-window
| | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 | It could probably be done that way but...
You'd be better off in the long run to buy new spring perches, set the pinion angle to match the driveline angle and weld the new perches on.
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 341 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 341 | Thanks Cletis, I haven't attempted this before so I need all the advice I can get.
Allan
-----
1951 GMC 1/2-ton
Two 1953 Chevy 3100 5-window
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 23 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 23 | I dint use a TF rear end in my 51 swap but I did reverse the springs to move the center bolt further back in the wheel well
John | | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 9 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 9 | Magfarm51 - I'm considering doing the same thing. Putting a '57 TF rear end in my '53 to replace the enclosed driveshaft. I think the biggest hurdle will be getting new axle seats and putting in new u bolts etc. CPP (Classic Performance Parts) has a kit ~ $75 that says it's a flip kit for the TF trucks but will work to put TF axle in AD truck.
'53 Chevy Pickup, 235ci, 4 spd Saginaw, Fenton Headers, 2x1 Offy Intake, Monoleafs dropped front springs, 15" rally wheels
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 149 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 149 | might not be what you would be happy with,but i used a rear end from a 1972 haft ton 3.38 gears i was told,but the sucker bolts right in.btw i help remove it from the donner. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 341 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 341 | Heathlce and John, those are great suggestions, I'll be looking into all of them when the time comes. Thanks.
Allan
-----
1951 GMC 1/2-ton
Two 1953 Chevy 3100 5-window
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 9,671 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 9,671 | John, can you explain what you did about the transmission and drive shaft?
DG
Denny G
Sandwich, IL
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 2,254 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 2,254 | John. Are you saying the 72 rear just bolted onto your AD springs? Or you used the 72 rear and springs and they bolted onto your shackles and front hanger?
Thanks
Dennis
-there is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer-
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 149 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 149 | yes it did just thati am useing 250 6cyl with 700r4 auto.had new drive line made. | | |
|
|
| |
