rear end question

I found a 1955 1/2 ton rear end and leaf springs. Will this bolt right in my 52 and be centered in the wheel well? What about the leaf springs are they a different width? What to do?

 

Breezy, is the rear end from a '55 first series or '55 second series?

 

Heck if I know. How do you tell the difference??

 

55 1st will be the same except the pounting pin is pretty much dead center in that the front segment of the spring is the same length as the rear segment. The earlier springs that were used with torque tube rear ends had a shorter front segment than rear segment. In other words, the mounting pin is moved farther forward.

 

They weren't centered from chevy....

 

Ok so didn't I read somewhere that these springs would center the wheel in the wheel well opening?? I would like the wheel centered. Are the springs wider on the 55. What do you have to do to get them bolted to the frame and shackle?? Has anyone done this swap??

 

Spring widths

47-54 width is 1 25/32
55-59 width is 2 1/16

Maybe this will help. Get out your tape measure and start figuring.

Gene

 

To center the wheel, you need to turn the springs around. Take the springs off, then put them back on facing the other way.

(Not you, the springs...)

This puts the wheel more in the center of the fender opening.

Not sure why they didn't do this to start with. I guess having the tires tucked up tight to the front was -cool-?

 

Thanks Zig. I've been reading up on that option.I found another rear end out of a 67-8 chevy 1/2 ton. Have to see if it is a roller bearing type axle set up. It's also a 3.08 gear ratio. If I figured right I should be able to cruise around 55-60 at 2200-2300 rpm. I also got the 3 speed from the 61 the other day and picked up the output shaft. FREE STUFF. All I need know is a drive shaft. I'm satisfied I won't find one to fit but have a friend in a machine shop that says we can get it to work. Talked to Dave at Jim carter tech. He said just drill a hole in the new saddle to move the rear end back. Done it several times and has never failed.

 

Highway gears

Keep us posted so we all know what works.
Robert

 

LaTroca Is that your truck as avatar? If so how did you get it that low? Size of tire and such.That's about the stance I want.

 

Drilling a hole in the spring perch works fine.

 

I wouldn't use the 55 rear. Instead I would use a late 70s early 80s Camaro/Trans Am 10 bolt. With that the 2002 Camaro/Trans Am 12 inch disc brakes will bolt right on.

 

Thanks Breezy

Yes Breezy thats my truck.
I had the springs Dearched and a leaf removed from each spring. 5 inches in the rear 4 inches in the front.
nice even ride

 

tires

I think the tires are 215/75/15