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| | | | Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 14 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 14 | I'm working on a 1950 3600 that is very tired. I want to update the brakes to Bendix, and picked up some '53 3/4 ton axles. The '53 front has new kingpins, but the rear doesn't look like anything special. Should I just swap the backing plates outward? Or should I swap in the whole axles? Will I run into any issues swapping the whole axles? I also can't find any tapered wheel bearing conversions for this, do they exist? Last question (for now), are there any write-ups out there for updating steering/tie rods? I would like to do the modern ball joint conversion as well. Thanks, Ken | | | | | Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 14 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 14 | I tried searching, but I didn't see anyone swapping in the entire front axle. I also don't know much about upgrading the steering compenents. I would like it to handle the best it can with the original front axle (modern tie rod ends, changing any geometry, larger tie rod, wheel bearings, and a sway bar). If there are any step-by-steps or how-tos I'd be interested. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,100 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,100 | Hy playinsafe44, could you tell us the year of the truck you're asking about please. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 14 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 14 | I am working on an original 1950 Chevy 3600. I have a 1953 Chevy 3600 front (new kingpins) and rear axle. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,100 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,100 | Hy playinsafe44, as far as I know the axles should be a bolt in swap. I don't think there was a sway bar for a 3600, but that doesn't mean that one couldn't be adapted. There should be some threads on here about converting to "modern" tie rod ends, hope that helps. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,775 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,775 | You can swap the spindles out, but I believe it's easier to just swap the backing plates and drums. As far as roller bearings go, if your are sticking with drum brakes, the oem ball bearings are fine. I bought a set of MBS Rollers from Chev's of the 40's a few years ago. I'm not sure if they handle them anymore though. My bearings: http://s1074.photobucket.com/user/w...&_suid=13668427020380552488455113892The 1/2 ton sway bar is a direct fit for the 3/4 tons also. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 9 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 9 | i'm thinking about swaping my front axle for a independant set up from a newer 1-ton van. it's 8 lug and should be the correct bolt pattern if before 1999. i have read that it will bolt right in if you narrow it about 1.5-2 inches. you then need to mount the steering box onto the frame. i'm not sure yet about upgrading the rear brakes. i'd like to keep the origional 8 lug rear and upgrade to newer self adjusting brakes but i'm still researching this change. | | |
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