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| | | | Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 220 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 220 | Hello!
In a few weeks, I'm going to start the T5/open rear conversion on my '53 3100. I have a 3.73 rear end out of a '56 Chevy wagon, an S10 tailshaft w/mechanical speedo drive, and a NWC box out of an 87 V8 Camaro.
The rear end is apart - pumpkin removed (gears intact), backing plates off, brakes apart, etc, and I want to get all new brake hardware.
Can anyone here recommend a good supplier for those parts. I know about Danchuk for tri-5 parts, but is there anyone else?
Will there by any problem using the stock torque tube springs? Yes, I know that I'm going to have to weld on perches (they're available), make/buy mounting plates and have U bolts made up - but the question is, are the springs to narrow?
Has anyone here used the original torque tube leaf springs? Any watch-outs?
Thanks...
Chris | | | | | Joined: Mar 2000 Posts: 784 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2000 Posts: 784 | I used the orig springs on my 46 when I switched to a T5 with no problems. As you said, weld on new perches and new U-bolts and you are done.
You should be able to get brake parts at NAPA or any local FLAPS.
Good luck.
George | | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 420 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 420 | when you switched to a T-5 did you have to change the pressure plate too?, i have a 46 1/2 ton im doing the same change on, I know I have to change the clutch disk, and dont know which one to get, also, is there anything I have to do to the crossmember? havent done this before so im kind of in the dark on this,......going from torque tube to open drive | | | | | Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 220 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 220 | Hoozat -
Haven't done the conversion yet, but the plan is to use an 11" clutch and pressure plate, and have the original flywheel redrilled to accept it, unless, of course, it already fits the stock flywheel.
I'll post more on it when I get into it.
Chris | | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 9 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 9 | Barsteel - hope you post lots of pics and updates. I'm collecting parts now to put a camaro T5 in my '53 3100. I just bought two late 50s rear ends that I'm trying to ID. I plan to use the stock '53 rear leafs and install in axle saddles/flip kit. I've still got to locate the T5 though. I see tons of S10 T5s on craigslist but no camaaro T5s. I have a buddy that put the camaro T5 behind his 235 in his '53. He just modified a extreme shifter to fit the camaro so that's my plan instead of the S10 tail stock. He said he used something like a '70 camaro clutch plate and everything went right together.
'53 Chevy Pickup, 235ci, 4 spd Saginaw, Fenton Headers, 2x1 Offy Intake, Monoleafs dropped front springs, 15" rally wheels
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 420 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 420 | im just now finishing up my open drive swap, i used my original 1 3/4 springs from my 46 1/2 ton, i just ordered new 1 3/4 perches from jc whitney and welded them onto the s-10 rear and they worked great, now to finish up the tranny install and figure out the driveshaft length, then i should be ok, ive taken lots of pics, ill be posting soon | | |
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