So I have been browsing Chevy forums and restoration forums. In many cases, if a thread has more than 4 or 5 posts, or anything more recent than 2012, there are still limitations.

I am considering swapping out the transmission on my 54 Belair. It currently has a torque tube, so I will have to change out rear end as well. I cannot find waht rear end will fit. I was told an S10 rear would work, but it is about 5" too narrow.

Anyone have any suggestions? Dexent forum for this kind of thing? Website that will provide sufficient data for rear ends and such swaps?

I am considering a TH tranny with OD, and possibly swapping out the 235 engine.






Also considering Heidts Mustang II front suspension upgrade, which will add power rack and pinion steering and disk brakes.



(I know, this is not a RAM, but this is general discussion section.....)

 

What's the width of the rear end? Ford 9 inch of some flavor. I have installed a Mustang ifs in a old F1, not to sure if any of that info would help you or not and that was a long time ago. I'll follow this thread just because.

 

I have sevearl catalogs with Ford 9". But they want a bucket of money for the rear end without gears. And I don't have any experience installing gears. If I could figure out what to look for in a JY or craigslist, I could get happy! Found a S10 for $100, but it is only 54" wide. Am I assuming that to measure you go from face to face on the axles?

Width of current rear end is 59 7/8".



(and dang typo in thread title....)

 

Thanks for the measurements I will start a hunt for what diff you can use, i'll do my best so as you can find a used one. Yes face to face is how most measure it.

 

Well looks like this would work 59.25 1967-1970 Mustang, Fairlane, Comet, Cougar

Web site that might help you on your way. http://www.carnut.com/specs/rear.html

 

Thanks, Merc! That's exactly what I needed. I can do the craigslist thing from that list. Found a 01 Silverado in San Antonio being parted out. The engine, tranny, and rear end seems tempting! (engine bay fire...top end stuff damaged, but may be chaep!)

 

Glad it helped

The Corvette irs would be a nice custom touch Do you really want to deal with all the elec stuff that's needed to go with the 01 Chev? or can you ditch all that stuff, kinda out of date for the newer Chevy stuff.

 

If I went that route (probably won't as rear end is probably wider) I would look at MS for FI. A nice 283 of 350 with automatice w/OD would make it a nice highway ride for Sunday driving and decent mpg. If I don't go for V8 route, I will make the changes for the early Vette engines. Already sourced dual carb intake and other parts. But 3 spd and torque tube need to go. Frount U joint is bushings only and were pretty loose.

 

The vett irs is only 60" wide almost the right width. Just for your info if you go V8 and are wanting FI have a look at a used Mercury marine Mercruiser engine very ez to install as everything is mounted to the motor, IE fuel pump pcm all you need to do is wire it in and that's very ez pos, neg, and ign switch, fuel line, you can find them from a V6 all the way to over 1200 hp blower motors.

 

Googling the vette irs now.

Found this:

http://www.customrodder.com/features...r/viewall.html

and this (cost of this project probably just went way up!)

http://www.streetrodderweb.com/featu.../photo_05.html

Would $1000 for front and rear C4 suspension be a decent price? I would have to take them off. I doubt the front would work, but could probably sell it to recoup some of the cost. Found on e-bay for about $1700+ and shipping.