I have a 54 3100 and want to replace the old rear end with a new open drive line rear end with the 6 bolt hubs but don't know what the best rear end to find for replacement. Am replacing the rearend to allow a 5 spd transmission install. Looking for comments on the best options???
I think the answer partially depends on exactly what you're goal is. I'm in the middle of putting in a t-5 tranny for my 49 1/2 ton, which means I also need an open drive shaft and therefore a new rear end. Since my truck is a "daily driver" but I'm in a rural area where 55 is plenty fast for me, that's one factor. Since my t-5 tranny has a .73 overdrive, that's another factor for me. I decided that based on the above, I could get by fine with a rear end ratio of 3.9 or 4.10, which means that any 1955-62 1/2 ton chevy rear ends should work pretty well. In fact I bought a 1959 1/2 ton chevy rear end, which keeps me at the same axle width and six wheel studs. However, there may be other factors important to you (you may want disc brakes, for exampe) that this won't work for you Dave
Nova I have a 1952 Panel that I have replaced the rear with a 1971 Chevy Nova rear end..........and I had the same desire you did, to keep the six lugs (I found a really great deal on rims and tires that I couldn't reason to part with to change to 5 lug).... so, the only way to resolve that issue was to fabricate the hubs to 6 lug, it works and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!
