The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 2T to 1.5T Front Axle Swap on '42 to '46 models ???

Just checking to see if anyone here has tried putting a 2T axle into a 1.5T on any of the '42 to '46 trucks.

Bought a rolling frame for a hundred bucks (mostly for the 6 wheels) but will be yanking both axles for parts as well. And since Randy is putting together a disk brake kit for the front end of 2 Tonners, I started wondering about making a swap so I could use his set up. The 2T is only 1/2" wider overall so I don't see the extra quarter inch on each side being a problem but if anyone has any ideas or experience in this area I would like to hear from you.

And...if anyone is in the market for a very clean & straight 195" bare frame...it's yours for the pick up (in Houston). Just shoot me a PM. I hate sending anything usable to the scrap heap.

When I rebuilt my rear end for my COE, I used the axle housing from a 1953 Chevy 2 ton with guts from a 1941 Chevy 1 1/2 ton and the parts from the COEs original rear, 1 1/2 ton. There isn't much difference between the single speed rears from 1941 to at least '53. The axle housing in the '53 had a larger circumfrence around the axle shafts but was built to use the same carrier assembly.

There are small differences in the carrier assembly and side gears as later models used thrust washers under the side gears therefore making the side gears a little shorter. Axle shafts are different depending on the hub/drum combos used throughout the years. I used my '47.1 hubs with the '53 drums and used the Bendix brakes from the '53.

I'm surprised there is actually a 1/2" difference in width. It shouldn't be a problem.

Jeff

My Bad --- I failed to indicate that it is the front axle I'm considering swapping out...but many thanks for the info on the rear since I'm still looking for a set of 5.43 gears.

And BTW...the 2T measures the same front & rear at 54-1/2" while the 1.5T is only 52-1/2" in back.

Looking through the Master Parts Books, it appears that the axles may or may not be the same from '41-46. There were two different axles, one type was used on '41-46 1 1/2, 2 ton and COE models while another, '41-50' was used on only 1 1/2 ton trucks and shared with '46-52 1 ton models. There should be some big numbers forged into the I-beams that would be of use in ID'ing them.

GMC seemed to use several different front axles even for the same series of truck, offering Clark and Timken? axles as well as the standard GM axles.

Jeff

Thanks Rusted --- I didn't notice any numbers on either but will take a closer look.

I scrapped mine off tonight and I could only make out the first two and the last numbers I believe. 36X-X0. I can't tell how many are in between the 6 and 0.

I have a 46 2-ton....

Well I think. I may have took for granted that the seller told me correctly. My info tag says 15,000GVW. I have some researching to do!

Never mind. If I understand my vin correctly 9PWG1549 it was built in Norwood, Ohio. It is a 46 2-ton built in July and was the 548th of the line.

It's the 549th, they started with 1001, so the first truck used 1,

Mike B