The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Best STRONG rear end for a '57 3100

Hello!

I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival of my newly purchased '57 Chevy 3100. I'm already starting to plan the upgrades, and I need some input.

I want to swap in a modern 4 speed muscle car transmission, i.e. a Muncie, and a posi rear end with a ratio around 3.55.

Ultimately, I want to replace the 235 with a big block to make it a resto-rod, so I need to know what rear end will be the closest fit that can also stand up to a healthy 427. I'm aware that a lot of people use S10 rears, but I'm not sure how an S10 rear would fare behind 400+ HP.

Early Camaro? GM midsize? Chevy truck?? If it has to be a 6 lug rear end, that's fine, but a 5 lug can work as well.

I'd appreciate any help at all choosing a rear end.

Thanks...

Chris

there was a posi for the TF rear, but you're not likely to find one - the stock rear can take lifting the front wheels off the ground on my buddies 55 w/ a built 427, and 3.55 gears are available for it

Bill

While it may not be popular here, it's hard to beat a Ford 9 inch for a cost effective rear set-up.

If you want 6 lug, get one from a '73-'76 GM 1/2 ton 4x4. For 5 lug, depends on which size 5 lug you want. If you go with the Truck 12 bolt, it will have a 5x5 bolt pattern. The Passenger 12 bolt (common in full size cars and big block powered Camaro and Chevelle) wil have the 5x4.75 bolt pattern. The latter will be a bit easier to find wheels for.
The stock rear is well up for task (I've seen them handle well over 1000 horses), but is limited in gear ratios and the Posi for it is very rare.

+1 for the Ford 9 inch. There's a boatload of NASCAR-specification speed equipment available for it, and the price is right on most of it because so many round track guys use that setup. They're about as close to bulletproof as anything out there except a Dana Type 60, and those things are getting pretty scarce.
Jerry

Dana 60 is the strongest but the Ford 9" is just a tad less strong and parts available EVERYWHERE. Also parts from fabricated housings to billet everything for the Ford including carriers, caps, 40 spline axles, you name it, will make the Ford nearly bullet proof. As Jerry stated, if your running Nascar your running a Ford even if the lettering on the front of the hood says Chevy, Dodge, or Toyota. The stock nodular nine will take at least twice what your bubble gum Muncie will even if it's a rock crusher. Serious torque (horse power doesn't mean squat) better get you looking at Richmond Gear or TKO units.

I'm no expert, but I agree with Bill about the Chevelle/Camaro. My Beaumont (same as Chevelle running gear) has 500 ft/lbs of torque, stock 3.31 posi, no issues at all.

I'll go along with the GM 12-bolt.

cm

I won't disagree with that. However, good luck finding one at the local salvage yard. Ford hasn't made them since the mid '80s, and many of them either ended up in race cars or hot rods. They are plentiful in the aftermarket, though.

I know this is the HIPO shop, but here goes anyway... Try driving the truck with the 6 cylinder the way the factory made it. You just might like it. (I might be a pot here calling the kettle black)

Rear ends are a dime a dozen. There are many to chose from. I have an IMCA modified full floating 9 inch im my 59 gmc 1/2 ton. I swapped a 1959 pontiac 389 motor for the original 336 v8 the gmc had. The 389 was bored and stroked to 447 with HP around 325 and torque around 500 lbs. The factory axle did not like the bigger motor... The perches were ripped clean off the axle, but not at the welds. They tore the axle tubes apart when they came off.

Swingdaddy -

I already have a '53 3100 5 window for a stock cruiser, bought this one to hot rod.

I will, however, drive it with the stock engine for a while, as I decide exactly what I want to start first.

The PO was using the truck as a parts fetcher, so it was registered and on the road up until the day I bought it.

Chris

What about a 14 bolt full floater? They are easy to convert to disc brakes, with an E brake, & 5 & 6 lug hubs & rotors are available for them.