I am looking to replace my stock rear end with a modern rear highway gear (355?) but want to retain my 6 lug wheels. Has anyone done this with the stock springs? Thanx in advance for any info!
I used a 12 bolt from a 65 chevy half ton. It's a 355 or 353 I think. Needed to weld on some spring perches, but pretty easy install. With a saginaw 4 speed it cruises at 60, but a T5, with the overdrive 5th gear, would be better for all around driving I think, better mileage and lower rpms at highway speeds
Just an F.Y.I. the Dana 44's in the Rodeo chassis are usually 4.10 to 1 ratio. Also, they might be a little narrow for the 50 Chevy pickup. Great rear end, mine have disc brakes and Spicer U-joints. I had to trim the center of these Chevy Blazer wheels to get them over the centers of the axles.
The 90's & early 2000's Chevy and GMC 1/2 ton pickups have a 10 bolt that will suit you pretty well. It can be had with discs or drums and is found in v-6 and small block (gen2&3) powered trucks... At least it was in 2000 when I last worked at a GM dealer...
I'm using a 3:08 out of a '69 1/2 ton. As mentioned above, just have to weld on some spring perches - available from Chevs of the 40's.
The problem with those coil spring Chevy 1/2 ton rear axles is that many of them have the bracket cast into the housing for the sway bar. Ok if you don't mind a bit of ugly under the truck.
Square body Chevy trucks, 87 and older. 1/2 ton 4x4 GMC Chevy are 6 lug. For example a 1985 Chevy 4x4. 1/2 ton. Suburbans of that era go up to 1992. I say square body because I've used one in a 56 Chevy truck that was 6 lug. It had the same pad with for the leafs but it was 1/2 inch wider in overall width. I still had plenty of wheel and tire clearance. Could also use a 92 and older Suburban 4x4 rear end. (Same square body style as the 87 and older pick ups) There may be others that interchange but here's a whole bunch of options
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