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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!
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#82720 09/08/2007 6:18 PM | Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 18 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 18 | I have a 55 Series 1 AD and am planning on going with the ubiquitous small block Chevy. Is there a rear that is a close match that could come from another vehicle? I believe that it is about 57" from drum to drum... | | |
#82721 09/08/2007 10:46 PM | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 | I don't think your 55-1 is different from my 51. The distance I believe you're looking for is 62" from flange to flange. If that is so, a good match would be a 70s/80s Camaro 10 bolt. There are others but this is what I used. You will need to relocate the springs but this is doable.
~Jim
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#82722 09/08/2007 10:48 PM | Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 1,317 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 1,317 | I'm running a 3.42 88 Camaro 5 lug diff in my 54, with a 235/.72 T5, which is 62" from wheel mounting surface to wheel mounting surface...the same as the stock 54-55.1st. If you're planning on building a driver, you'll want to consider front discs. The 5 lug 89 IROC-Z (62") has a 3.08 w/posi and discs that might be just the ticket. This diff can handle up to 300HP comfortably. It was also available in 3.42 but the most common was the 3.08. Dependent on what transmission you're planning on running, these are a couple 5 lug options. Hope this helps.
Dave | | |
#82723 09/08/2007 10:52 PM | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 | This is a common topic here and a search should produce lots of options.
I used the rear from a '73 Chevelle wagon under mine. Had to cut off the coil and trailing arm stuff and weld on spring pads, but width wise it is perfect, and coming from a wagon, mine had 11 inch brakes which have served me well too.
Wheel mounting surface to wheel mounting surface is a better measurement, and about 62 inches is correct.
1955 1st GMC Suburban | 1954 GMC 250 trailer puller project | 1954 GMC 250 Hydra-Matic | 1954 Chevy 3100 . 1947 Chevy COE | and more...
It's true. I really don't do anything but browse the Internet looking for trouble... | | |
#82724 09/08/2007 11:35 PM | Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 | JTS2530, I have read about the big block, the small block, and the crate motor, but I'll be dipped if I can find any listing for a ubiquitous block. Is this some new offshore knockoff...we should let Detroit know pronto..I smell a lawsuit.  Stuart | | |
#82725 09/09/2007 1:13 AM | Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 338 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 338 | JTS2530,
Are you going to sell the 55.1 rear end? I would be interested. | | |
#82726 09/09/2007 9:39 PM | Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 18 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 18 | Thanks for all of the help. I'm not ready to sell anything just yet - we're still driving the 55 "as is" but are in the process of doing some research for future changes... | | |
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