%1 chev drive train

I am buying a 51 chev , would like to get rid of the enclosed drive line. Can any one tell me what rear end to get, and What would I have to do to put in a small block. Is it a easy swap? thanks in advance. Denny

 

I pulled one from a '53 Olds which had a open drive line and a great looking rear end. I have not put it in but I think it's within a half inch form the original '54 Chevy rear.

Some others use a tri-five rear, S-10 4 x 4 rear or a 70's camaro rear I think.

 

FWIW: '75 Nova in my '54. Not sure the diff between the '51 and '54s...

 

measure some 8.8 ford rearends they are cheap at any yard and some come with posi's and many differnt gear ratios some have disc brakes, drum brakes, and there tuff as hell if you were closer i would give you one

 

I had a 69 nova rear.Mine was a 12 bolt but 10 bolt will work also.My friend used a 57 chevy rear.

 

Been a while since I've done one but if I remember right a 75/80ish Nova is practically a bolt in. I don't think you even have to relocate the pads . You do have to drill a new hole for the center bolt, someone correct me if I'm wrong but I think it's 1" ahead of the original Nova, other wise your wheel will not be centered in the wheel well. Use the Nova plates and U-bolts to match the funky Nova pads.