Changing rear in my paneltruck
 

Hey. I have a 49 Chevy panel.
I want to change the rearend to smething simple.
Truck will be V8, stock Hp.
What rear will be good width wise? I know nothing is a bolt in. No issues welding pads on it.
Thanks

Re: Changing rear in my paneltruck
 

I have a GM 12-bolt from a late 60s Chevelle. This pic is with 8-inch wheels and 10-inch-wide tires; this leaves exactly one inch of space between the tire and the inside and outside fenders. As you probably realize, tubbing the inside of a panel would be a much bigger deal than a pickup, so I wanted to avoid that. If you want me to crawl under and measure the width you'll have to buy me dinner first however... :lol:



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Re: Changing rear in my paneltruck
 

Those late 60's to 77 Chevelle size rears fit these trucks real width wise. you have to watch rim width and back spacing if you go wide wheels though.

Question though. What are you planning for front hubs and bolt pattern?

Stock I beam normally you can run the stock six lug, disk six lug, 51 54 Car drums with 5 on 4-3/4 or a disk kit with 5 on 4-3/4. \

MII you can run 5 on 4-3/4 or the Ford 5 on 4-1/2 which would let you run an Explorer rear that is real popular right now.


There is quite a bit more to the planning than "this one is the right with to fit under the truck"
Stick/automatic Over drive/no over drive? That is going to determine the gear ratio you will want for best all around performance and gas mileage.

Re: Changing rear in my paneltruck
 

Im going with a disc conversion on the stock front axle.

I have a stock rear end out of a 69 Chevy truck with a 3:23? Gear i want to use. But really never measured backing plate to backing plate. Or width of body. To see what the difference is.

Re: Changing rear in my paneltruck
 

Just a word of warning here. If that's a truck 12 bolt then it's not a real strong rear axle.
https://www.drivetrainshop.com/v/vsp...m_12bolt_3.jpg

Some of the trucks from 68-72 were coil sprung. I believe GMC used coils for one year but Chevy stayed coil through the whole run. Truck axles can be upgraded but the better option is to get a car 12 bolt if you need a tough axle. Evan a well built 8.5/8.625 10 bolt will outlive a truck 12 bolt.

Re: Changing rear in my paneltruck
 

i am mentally working this issue as well. eventual plan is MII front. I found a 73 firebird rear the owner cant tell be gear ratio. also have a few blazer 4x4 options. thinking drum brakes because this will likely be done before MII. so drum front disk rear would be less than ideal... or can it be done with residual valve?.. I love the idea of T5 5 speed but kind of pricey. may find 3.23 rear and old car 4 speed. ... but then 70mph would be more costly
first is a Tach exhause fix sagging door small schtuff to do while I drive it.
Marty