1959 Apache 32 fleetside rear end

Just got an Apache. I am not sure the rear end is original, can anyone help? There is a front and rear plate to the differential. Is this normal?

 

Look like this?

 

That is the one. Is that what is supposed to be in my truck?

 

Yes.

GM H-033 axle was used in Chevy 1/2 ton trucks from at least the late 1930s through 1959. GMC quit using them in 1957.

 

Thanks, Bill. I was having a hard time finding anything out about it. Now having the exploded view helps me know what I have waiting for me when I take that plate off to try to fix the leak.

 

Bill, do you know if the front and rear gaskets are the same?

 

No such luck. Cover gasket is GM # 3752660. Carrier gasket is 370246. Our host carries both (93-905 and 93-911).

 

Ordered. Thanks

 

Where does one obtain a clear diagram such as this? The manuals I have purchased are blurry at best!

 

That particular diagram came from a page I scanned from a 1958 GMC Master Parts Book that covers second series '55 through '58 GMC trucks. GMC used that rear end from the late 40s through 1956 in 1/2 ton trucks. In 56 they offered the heavier duty Spicer 45 rear axle as an option and used the Spicer as the standard rear end starting in 57 while Chevrolet continued to use the H-033 through at least 1959. The Spicer 45 was later known as the Dana 44.

 

would you happen to know if Chevy has such a manual, with illustrations such as the one you posted, that would cover my 1959 Apache 3100?

 

I suspect there is, but I've never seen one. It is what the parts department would use at the dealership. I bought one of mine from a closing down dealership back in the early 90s. It covers all (1/2 ton through the big rigs) GMC trucks 1955.2 through 1960 and is about 4 inches thick. The other I picked up on eBay. It only covers 1/2 ton through 1.5 ton models and is about an inch thick.

SlimSix over on the OldGMCtrucks web site has scanned a few of these (GMC) manuals and offers them for sale on CD. A lot, but not all, of the parts are the same between Chevy and GMC. Engines, some of the transmissions and rear axles are different as well as minor bodywork. You can reach him at stovebolt651@yahoo.com

 

Don't know what years you are looking for, but found these on eBay with a few minutes looking.
Chevy Master Parts Catalog 1955 1956 1957 Chevrolet Car Truck Corvette Part Book | eBay

 

I wasn’t looking until I can across the illustration of the rear end you posted. I will be looking now for my 1959 Chevy Apache 3100. Thank you!