I have a 1951 1 ton with stock axel and Eaton HO72 4.11 third member. I keep reading about reversing the rear springs to center the axel. Is this also true with the 1 ton and 3/4 ton trucks? Is there adequate slide in the drive shaft to compensate for this 1 1/2 inch rear movement? Thanks in advance for your replys. Jerry
Just a quick question. If you have the stock axle,why do you feel the need to center it? Maybe you can find help upon your reply.
Because it looks like the guy at the factory who designed the rear suspension and axel placement did not co-ordinate with the guy who designed the box and the rear fenders. The rear wheels are an inch and a half forward of being centered under fender. Having a 4.11 has nothing to do with the problem.
Like all, it needs to slide back an inch or 2. I located my first axle by drilling a new centering hole foreward of the origional.
Jerry, On one of the treads or on a discussion on springs and centering the rear-end the talk stated that turning the springs around would give a inch or so. How do you like the 411/1? It was a little slow for me so I had mine changed out to the 342/1 and enjoy being able to cruise at 80 without the engine up close to red lining.
Here is a link on this topic. https://talk.classicparts.com/showthread.php?t=6277&highlight=rear I didn't read that your 51 has a pickup bed but let's assume it does. If you were to load the truck the wheels would be centered in the fender. The axel is hinged so that this happens. The half ton guys have a relatively easy job of turning the springs around. Us 1 ton guys have a much heavier set of attachments to the frame to deal with. They don't have to remove their fenders but we do. It has to do with pulling the pins out of the shackles. As you can see I took the easy way out. I have had no problems at all with this arrangement. If I am not mistaken, I used my original drive shaft. I hope this helps. Bill
IF spring ever gets here, I will again look at rear suspension and figure out the plate you 1 tonners have redrilled to move the axel. We have ONLY had about 84 inches of snow so far! As I have more time than money, 4.11 works for me. I purchased the 4.11gear set from a body shop for $25.00. I can cruise at 60 - 65 mph with my 2.16 engine. If you went to a 3.42/1 you changed axels? I hope your using better than Huck brakes at 80 mph.
Tailgater, Thanks for the Link. That will answer a few questions. Yes, my 1 ton has a 9 ft box. Can someone point me to directions on posting a picture? Thanks Jerry
The rear-end is out of a 78 one ton with new axles, gears, and all. When I'm doing 80 or so there is not much traffic anywhere.
Jerry, you have lucked out and found the dumbest person on this site computer wise to give a post a picture tutorial. After you have typed in your message scroll down to "Go Advanced" and click on that. It will switch over to a preview of your message but scroll down to "Attach Files, which has "manage attachments" combined with it and click on it. This will take you to 5 little boxes that say "Browse" in them. Click on one of the boxes and if the incorrect picure comes up click on "My Documents" and then double click on "My Pictures". This will show all the pictures you have on your computer so just click on the one you want and then on "Upload". When done, click on "Close" and it will go back to your message and you can click on "Preview" before "Submit" if you want to make sure everything is OK. If your pictures are on Photobucket or some other picture site then I'm as in the dark as you as to how to post them.
That is a good looking truck, besides yours and Bills and my 48 and 52 that makes 4, 9 ft. bed trucks on the forum.
You short truck guys just wish you could haul your own bowling alley around with you. http://www.stovebolt.com/gallery/images/baskette_bill_1948d.jpg
Nice rig ! Maybe those GMC guys are but us BOWTIE GUYS (esp. the 216/235 & 261's) know we have nothing to worry about .
