49 C3100 Axle Swap
 

Hey - I just got a 49 C3100 and I'm currently replacing the front and rear suspension. I'm putting in a Mustang II IFS with 11" disks and power rack - (start welding it in on Friday). I'm also currently trying to find what rear axle assembly to use. The original axle is 62" hub to hub and the wheels I'm looking at have a 4.5" or a 5.625" backspace so I need a 62" or a 64" axle width to keep the correct fender spacing. Have any of you replaced the rear axle with a newer axle and if so, what was it taken out of? I hear a C10 may work but can't find any info. Any help would be greatly appreciated. If anyone would like me to post anything about the Mustang II IFS install, I would be glad to share - it is a Helix! (Oh, I want a 5-4.75" bolt pattern).

Thanks - Mark!

Re: 49 C3100 Axle Swap
 

Ford 8.8? I've seen a few builds with them sorced from explorers and f150 I think, but I'm not a ford guy :)
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Re: 49 C3100 Axle Swap
 

explorer axle is 59.5" wide and will require reversed wheels or a backspace in the 2.5" neiborhood. The camaro 10.5 is the popular swap. I think its around 62" wms to wms.
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Re: 49 C3100 Axle Swap
 

I am doing a 79 Camaro swap right now.

Re: 49 C3100 Axle Swap
 

Welcome from So Arizona!

I have two AD trucks with Camaro rear axles and I have 255 70 15 tires on 8" wheels with a center back spacing and they work fine.

What gear box are you using?

That may depend on what axle ratio you pick

Re: 49 C3100 Axle Swap
 

Thanks for the info! So, Camaro it is. What suspension are you using - 4 link or leafsprings? I was thinking of just using a TH400 (I'm putting a 350 into it) but I would really like an overdrive so .... Once I get the suspension set, I'll start looking at tranny's. I was thinking of using 255/45-17's or 245/50-15's. They are basically the same size tire but I have more options with the 17's.

Re: 49 C3100 Axle Swap
 

I am using a 76 Monty Carlo it is 62" I am also using the Monty Carlo triangulated 4 link.

Re: 49 C3100 Axle Swap
 

Today I purchased a Posi from a 79 Z28. It eas in great condition and I paid an extra $100 for the full leafspring setup. I'm really pleased with what I got. So I'll have a Mustang II front end and a Z28 rear axle. Should be a great setup! I'll post pictures as I go!