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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Sep 2013 Posts: 57 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2013 Posts: 57 | Hey guys, I need your thoughts on installing a'57 rear end in my '49 chevy half ton pick up.
Question: What would the proper angle be between the front of the rear end and the rear end of the transmission be? I took measurements before I removed the torque tube rear end. I have 15" tires. At the front of the rear end measured 11.75" from shop floor. At the rear of the transmission the measurement was 16.25". That indicates a 4.25" rise fron the rear end to the transmission. What would be that angle?
Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks much,
Mike Smith | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 2,393 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 2,393 | Mike, Buy or borrow a magnetic angle dial gauge to use at each point you mentioned to get the angle difference. Think it's 3.5 degrees, but I'm using memory, so hope someone with accurate numbers chimes in.
Drew
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,544 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,544 | A torque tube rear end only uses 1 U-joint, an open rear uses 2. You need to have the pinion angle down a few degrees from the angle of the driveshaft. Also make sure you put solid mounts on rear end spring perches. They are floating on a Torque tube setup. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 1,410 ODSS President | | ODSS President Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 1,410 |
~ Cosmo
1949 Chevy Half Ton
Rocinante, like Don Quixote, he is awkward, past his prime, and engaged in a task beyond his capacities.
"...my good horse Rocinante, mine eternal and inseparable companion in all my journeys and courses." ...Don Quixote, Cervantes
"If you come to a fork in the road, take it."...Yogi Berra
"Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength." ...Eric Hoffer
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2013 Posts: 57 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2013 Posts: 57 | Thanks Grigg, MAN what great info. Yhis helps a lot. You have the set up I am trying to achieve minus carbs on engine. I have an overdrive to be installed after the rear end is installed. Also running a 235.
Thanks again,
Mike smith
| | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 487 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2005 Posts: 487 | Mike,
I measured my 55.1 3200 today. It's stock except with softer rear springs that lower it an inch or two. The transmission angle is 1.5 degrees below the frame and the rear axle angle is 3 degrees above the frame. I didn't think to measure the driveshaft angle.
regards,
Leon | | | | | Joined: Sep 2013 Posts: 57 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2013 Posts: 57 | Thanks Leon,
I have rear end installed. I have it course aligned equal to the frame. Will fine tune when I get the transmission and the drive shaft installed. Had a heck of a time finding 3" u bolts longer than 7". Finally went to Champion Spring on Henderson St. in Ft. Worth, and they made me 4 9" ones in 20 minuets.
Thanks again
Mike | | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,440 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,440 | It helps to use an angle finder. You need to set it before you install the drive shaft. This article shows how I set my driveline angle to match my existing rear end angle. You'll be going the other way but the principle is the same. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2013 Posts: 57 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2013 Posts: 57 | Hey Cletis, Thanks.......However "This article" shows up as a Bad Request. Maybe you could re-do.
Thanks, mike | | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,440 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,440 | Link is good on this end. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2013 Posts: 57 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2013 Posts: 57 | Hey guys, I'm having a devil of a time trying to install my overdrive transmission in my '49 pickup. It seems just to long to gto get ion between the cross members. What will I run into if I remove the tail piece from the back of the transmission to allow room for the transmission to be installed and then replace the tail piece? Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Mike Smith | | | | | Joined: Sep 2013 Posts: 57 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2013 Posts: 57 | Hey folks, I apologize for asking such a dumb [censored] question. LOL I would have sworn the cross member at the rear of tranny was riveted. Not so. I unbolted it , removed it and slipped transmission in. Now all tight and tidy.
Thanks much,
Mike | | | | | Joined: Sep 2013 Posts: 57 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2013 Posts: 57 | Thanks to a bunch of you guys I have completed my installation of a '57 3.90 rear end and a '59 Muncie overdrive in my '49 3100. Could not have done it without your advice and help.
In the recent past ( two months) I saw a GM drawing of the underbed spare carrier for my '49 3100. I wanted to print it but ink cartridge was dry. Now I can't find it Can any one help me find it?
Thanks in advance.
Mike Smith | | |
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