The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 51 chevy coe rear axle

Hello all, New member here in the northeast(Boston area) Spoke to a few members via internet and phone. Thanks for the help.
I bought a 51 chevy coe. I am in the planning stages of how to restore my truck. I would like to keep it original as possible however with the 2 speed rear axle, I do not think the speed will be sufficient. This subject I'm sure has been discussed. I looked into a new gear set and replacing the 6.10/8.13 set with 5.57 which will gain about 6 miles per hr faster according to the folks at Weller Truck(nice people). I am not a welder so is there a modern axle that can still utilize the original rims? If not what is the next best choice for a modern axle? What consideration do I need to account for ie: transmission? Is there a bolt in automatic? Thanks for all your assistance. This will be a long project.

Hy 51chris, welcome, that's a lot of questions. There probably is a "modern" axle with the ten studs on 7 1/4" pattern, probably a heavy duty "P" van axle. There is no "bolt-in" automatic, the closest to that would be a dual range four speed Hydramatic, but that would require some crossmember work, and of course the parts to install the trans. How do you intend to use the truck, as a work vehicle or more as a hobby vehicle?

51 Chris: If you change the diff. to run faster are the brakes and supension going to be safe? Some thing to consider. Oh and welcome to the site,it's help me out a lot!

If you have the 10 on 7.25" rear, 5 on front, one can use both P3000 or P3500(single speed), however, the front will be wider than the fenders, but have disc brakes, look through the past posts about modern spindles on original axles, may leave the axle in place, rear axle has lots of rarios, disc brakes to match front, can use 22.5 wheels(hard to find) w/ these axles. 19.5 wheels easy to find, look too small for fenders, though.

Make sure to choose the correct gears to go w/ whatever engine you use, don't overgear it. Can use 4 or 5 speed w/ granny
for load starting or truck auto.

Hi all thanks for the replies. Ed, are you saying I can use the same rims if I change the rear axle to a p3000 or p3500? The goal for me is to use the original rims with a better ratio axle. Not looking to set speed records , just to keep up with traffic.
Thanks
For all your time

Chris,
Yes, that is a consideration and hope to update the system as this project progresses. I am learning all the intricacies of a lot of different things on this project
Thanks
Chris