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55 chevy rear questions???

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by nikdoestattoos, Mar 20, 2011.

  1. nikdoestattoos
    Joined: Jul 3, 2008
    Posts: 89

    nikdoestattoos
    Member

    Anyone know what rear will fit in a 55 chevy wagon.My original one is shot.Any suggestions???
     
  2. 55 to 64 Chevy cars use the same differential, with the exception of the Chevy II and first gen Chevelle/Malibu. Gear ratios varied depending on donor, including some pickup stuff in that same timeframe.
    If the guts are scrambled, look for another rearend. Guys have been abusing those for too many years, and repair parts are expensive if not unavailable. And yes, you might get lucky and find a good donor. Best of luck to you.
     
  3. I put a Chevelle rear end in one... a '69 Mustang 8" in one... a '57 Olds in one... basically anything that is the right width will work.

    Here's a list of some different makes and their widths...

    http://www.carnut.com/specs/rear.html

    Looks like the '55 Chevy is 60" at the flange... (always measure from where the wheel mounts to where the wheel mounts... i.e. flange to flange)

    So you can always go maybe 2" narrower... but not wider... unless you want to run some goofy offset narrow wheel.

    Hope this helps!

    Sam
     
  4. brewster55
    Joined: Sep 2, 2010
    Posts: 149

    brewster55
    Member

    ford explorer rears are great and cheap. i know not traditional, so i hope i dont get flamed like usual.

    they are 8.8 like the mustang, but stronger axles, lots of upgrade parts, different gear ratios, etc available, drum brake or disk. came limited slip.

    can get axles, drums/rotors redrilled to chevy lug pattern.


    http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Explorer8_8.html
     
    Last edited: Mar 20, 2011

  5. 53sled
    Joined: Jul 5, 2005
    Posts: 5,817

    53sled
    Member
    from KCMO

    s10 4x4 will fit, cheap and plentiful. gear ratio is often printed in the glove box. most are 3.42, some are 3.73
    drum brakes are about the same size too. no need to have two different wheel lug patterns.
    it only needs a combo u-joint and weld on perches, around $10
    (get the mopar performance 3" axle, cheapest)
     
  6. Jus remember the gas tank gets real tight with the housing.
     
  7. Blk210
    Joined: Feb 9, 2008
    Posts: 185

    Blk210
    Member
    from New Market

    Late sixties nova and camaros all day, I have one in a 55 and another in a 57 right now and they are other rare 8.2 or better 8.5 because it's easier to find parts for the 8.5. You do have to move the perches just a hair.
     
  8. Same ones that fit 49-54 Chevy should fit 55-57 Chevy. Which means S10 4x4 and second-gen Camaro 10-bolt are going to be the easiest ones to find that also keep the same bolt pattern.
     
  9. nikdoestattoos
    Joined: Jul 3, 2008
    Posts: 89

    nikdoestattoos
    Member

    Thank you guys for the help!
     

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