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| | | Forums66 Topics128,078 Posts1,056,031 Members48,433 | | 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!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 423 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 423 | I've got a line on an engine and rear axle from a 1954 passenger car. I expect the axle has a better ratio than my 53, and that the 235 might do nicely in place of my 216 with a cracked block. How easy is it to exchange the axle?
Karl It may not be the easy way, but it is the Cowboy Way - Ranger Doug Beware of the stories you read or tell; subtly, at night, beneath the waters of consciousness, they are altering your world. - Ben Okri 1953 Chevy 3100 1960 Volvo PV 544 1941 Chevrolet Special Deluxe | | | | | Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 206 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 206 | if im not mistaken the 54 car wont fit. torque tube lengths are diff, you could use the engine which would be a improvement over the 216. 55 and up 235s are better and easier to find parts for then the 53/54 235s. you can swap the third member from a 55-59 pickup , that would bolt right into your existing Axel and give you 3.9 instead of 4.11 ( manuals had 3.9, overdrives had 4.11 and autos had a 3.23 or something high like that.) but that requires a drive shaft, open drive transmission and welding on the swivels on the Axel . or the Patrick swap. or there is a 50/51 chevy passenger swap ( link in the tech tip section)i think but that requires some work as well. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | ......not sure about this but I THINK the 3rd member will fit and AD up thru 1962?? ... and I THINK the automatic is a 3:38 maybe someone that knows for sure will chime in. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | The 1954 car with manual transmission had a 3.70 rear end. The 1954 car with Powerglide automatic transmission had a 3.55 rear end.
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 206 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 206 | Will th passenger rear work for him? I thought the passenger is smaller in diameter ( entire 3rd member) and a diff length. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | drew,
I think you are correct.
| | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 423 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 423 | Thanks for the ideas, guys. I have another 235 waiting for the pickup. But I also might need a substitute motor for my 41 sedan, so having two might have been a good idea. But the better idea is simply to start fixing these original motors. The 216s are enuf for me. I am happy driving 55. Ditto with the axle I guess
Karl It may not be the easy way, but it is the Cowboy Way - Ranger Doug Beware of the stories you read or tell; subtly, at night, beneath the waters of consciousness, they are altering your world. - Ben Okri 1953 Chevy 3100 1960 Volvo PV 544 1941 Chevrolet Special Deluxe | | |
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