The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post - 55.2-59 Rear axle moving left/right

mr48chev · 03-22-2024, 08:26 PM

As others said, the axle tubes are not cast iron but mild steel as all GM axle tubes except maybe the odd one like the Olds 442 with the aluminum center section. I don't know i that one is steel or aluminum tubes.

Before I tore anything apart I'd go higher up the food chain above that particular inspector. The only real issue should be the quality of the welds and the U bolts being correct for the application. I understand that Belgum and some other European countries are hell on wheels when it comes to chassis mods and welded chassis pieces is an absolute no but that is usually Modified control arms and steering linkage.

In these photos of a 12 bolt truck rear off Ebay you can clearly see that the axle tube slips in the cast housing a ways and see the part line. Can that part line be seen on yours or has it been filled and prettied in a way it no longer is visible?

03-22-2024, 08:26 PM	#22
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,322	Re: Rear axle moving left/right As others said, the axle tubes are not cast iron but mild steel as all GM axle tubes except maybe the odd one like the Olds 442 with the aluminum center section. I don't know i that one is steel or aluminum tubes. Before I tore anything apart I'd go higher up the food chain above that particular inspector. The only real issue should be the quality of the welds and the U bolts being correct for the application. I understand that Belgum and some other European countries are hell on wheels when it comes to chassis mods and welded chassis pieces is an absolute no but that is usually Modified control arms and steering linkage. In these photos of a 12 bolt truck rear off Ebay you can clearly see that the axle tube slips in the cast housing a ways and see the part line. Can that part line be seen on yours or has it been filled and prettied in a way it no longer is visible? Attached Images __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.