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#9913 01/14/2004 11:58 PM | Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 23 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 23 | Foutain of Knowledge,
I come to you with a burning question. My 57 (3100) still has the standard Hotchkiss rear. I am looking at replacing this a more modern rear end.
I measured my rear end and it's 59 3/4 wheel mounting surface to wheel mounting surface, Not the 62 " as in the tech tips flange to flange measurement. I found a 79 Seville that's 61 and has the disc brakes on the rear, or a F**D 8.8 with disc that's 61 ", which way would you guys go? This will be a cruiser not a 1/4 mile truck, what pitfalls would I have with either rear end.
Thanks in Advance,
Mike | | | | | Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 687 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 687 | willy 57: I have a 69 Grand Prix with 3.55 gears on the back of my 59 its the only thing the past owner did right. popcorn The Truth is Out There (Yep another 14 hr day at work) | | | | | Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 23 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 23 | Popcorn,
Thanks for the reply. Do you think I would be better to use the caddy rear end or use the F**D rear end it's off a newer mustang. I had heard one time the a caddy rear was a direct swap but that probably a urban myth. My hope for the truck is for a cruiser that has 4 wheel disc, IFS front, otherwise it's a stock looking truck, don't want to loose the character of the truck just make it handle better and stop. As for the difference between my measurement of 59 3/4 and the 61" of both new rears do you for see any problems?
Thanks,
willy 57 | | | | | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 | What do you plan to run for wheels and tires?
If you're running stock wheels and tires I don't think you'll have any trouble. But if you measure the width of the box, inside the wheel wells, and measure the space inside the wheel wells, and then measure the wheels and tires, you should be able to determine if they will fit.
Its not hard, just takes some careful measurement.
1955 1st GMC Suburban | 1954 GMC 250 trailer puller project | 1954 GMC 250 Hydra-Matic | 1954 Chevy 3100 . 1947 Chevy COE | and more...
It's true. I really don't do anything but browse the Internet looking for trouble... | | | | | Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 687 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 687 | Willy: both are good rear ends, hate to say it (might be all wet) the f**d might be a little stronger and better ratio. Remember Caddy's are cruisers, so it depends what you want to do from a stop.
Old Sub is correct (as always) plan on what you are doing for future needs there is only so much space for tires. How big and how cool has alot to do with it. popcorn The Truth is Out There (Good Luck) | | |
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