I have a '55 Dodge C3B 1/2 ton,that has the stock 230 flathead 6 and the 3-speed. I enjoy driving it but the 60mph top speed kind of blows. I was wondering if there was some kind of later model rear end that could possibly be swapped in,not only for a better gear ratio,but for ease of parts availability (I have one messed up drum and the wheel cylinders would probably need to be replaced anyway). Would something like this work,or would it just be a waste of time?
There are many rear axle assemblies that would make a suitable swap for your truck. Later Mopar, Ford 8" and 9", Fomoco 8.8" (also used under Mazda pickups). I would recommend using something with provison for parking brake in the rear end in case you decide at some point to change the transmission. Besides, in my experience with earlier Mopars, the driveshaft parking brake is marginal even when in good condition. As for ratio, with the stock six, something from 3.20 ish to no more than 3.70 range would work best for combined city/highway use. You know, you COULD just put in a Borg Warner T-5 overdrive tranny while you are at it, and have the best of all worlds. In that case I would go toward the 3.70 neighborhood. Ray
While I can't recommend a t5 there are other 5-speeds that work. As to the rear axle, get your tape out... <TABLE id=yiv2071152367bodyDrftID class=yiv2071152367 border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="FONT-FAMILY: arial; FONT-SIZE: 10pt" id=yiv2071152367drftMsgContent><TABLE id=yiv2071152367bodyDrftID class=yiv2071152367 border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="FONT-FAMILY: arial; FONT-SIZE: 10pt" id=yiv2071152367drftMsgContent></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> Housing widths, flange to flange A BODY '66-'72= 52 5/8" B BODY '62-'63= 53 1/4" (And '64 Max Wedge) '64 = 55 5/8" (Exc. Max Wedge) '65-'67= 54 1/4" '68-'70= 54 15/16" '71-'74= 57 7/8" '71-'73 wagon= 59 7/16" C BODY '65-'69= 56 3/4" '70-'71= 57 7/8" (Chrysler & Fury) '70-'74= 59 7/16" (and '69 wagon) IMPERIAL '65-'66= 57" '67-'69= 57 3/8" '70-'71= 54 3/4" '72-'73= 59 5/8" E BODY '70-'74= 56 31/64" A100 '65-'70= 56 3/4" D100 '65-'71= 58 5/16" '72-'74= 59 7/16" </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> .
73RR Nice guide! My '50 B2B had a 9" out of a late 60's F100 (3.08 maybe) that fit OK, but had the 5 on 5 1/2 bolt pattern Stovebolt makes a kit to run a GM transmission with the stock 218 bellhousing
What about one of of,say a late 80' dakota or jeep cherokee? I have a 8 1/4 rear out of a cordoba I chopped up a few years ago,I should measure that one up too..
8 3/4 MoPaR with slip on drums is THEE Only thing I would consider for this truck ... PERIOD ! A-100 Vans from the '60s are a Prime Cadidate for the swap... I found one in an A-100 that was Factory 3.91 Sure Grip Posi .. Van was FREE !!! Has the correct bolt Pattern, MoPaR wheels fit correctly, has E-Brake Cables ...
Do the A100 vans have the 4-1/2" bolt pattern? I don't think I've even seen an A100 for parts around here in many years
Yup, I put one in my '61 Dodge Seneca ... Worked Slick. Moved the Leaf Pads, Used the yolk from the Vans drive shaft to make my new drive line & bolted the Stock wheels right on. All PArts for 8 3/4 available at the Drive Line shop or any GOOD auto parts store & the Local Bearing House. Why Fuck around with Metric Shit or late model Crap when you can have a Tested Tough MoPaR axle ??
I'd have to agree with De Soto, an 8-3/4 with slip on drums (not with the keyed axles) would be the way to go. Not real spendy and you should be able to find the gear ratio you want fairly easily.
I recently swapped in a 1996 jeep cherokee rear (not grand cherokee) into my 1952 dodge 1/2 ton. Just cut off the extra brackets...weld on trailer spring perches and shorten your dricpveshaft. You should be able to use the same wheels you have too
The Cherokee rear axle assemblies, from the early 90's up and the early version of the Grand Cherokee, are Mopar 8 1/4" corporate axles and are also used in Dakota, Liberty, some Wrangler and some full size pickups. However, the Jeep models and early 5 lug dakota are the best for your purposes since they have the 5 on 4 1/2" bolt circle. Cherokee models with 6 cyl and 4 speed automatics are 3.55 and 6 cylinder with 5 speed are 3.07. 4 cylinder 5 speed models are typically 4.10 and with automatic, 3.73. I'm not sure why 73RR is not so keen on a T5. They are not all created equal, having a variety of gear sets and earlier NWC (non-world class) are not quite as strong as later WC (world class), but they are plengtiful and relatively inexpensive. Behind a 230 six it should be bulletproof. There are other 5 speeds to be sure. I am currently adapting an Aisin AX-15 (Dakota/Cherokee 2 wheel drive application) to my '40 Buick straight eight. The AX-15 is, I believe, stouter than the typical T-5 and my Buick isn't exactly sveldt. By the way, none of this is intended to diminish the recommendations for a Mopar 8 3/4" axle. they are very good axles, some folks think equal to or better than a 9" Ford. Ray
I'd love to put a 8-3/4 in it,but I just don't know where I'd find one around,not much of a selection of older Mopars in the 'yards around here.
Troll craigslist! I don't know what part if Illinois you are in but I found this ad: http://peoria.craigslist.org/pts/2736215240.html in about 30 seconds and there are plenty of others. If they don't list rear axles call them and ask anyway... Get creative. .
The Jalopy Journal
