Rear differential options 53' 3/4 ton

[1953]

I am looking for advice on what to do with my 53 rear suspension, I am fairly new to classic trucks I am starting a restoration on the 1953 Chevy 3/4 ton and found that the rear leaf spring hangers was at one time broke and somone welded the pivot pin to the hangers I want to keep original and CAN'T FIND replacement hangers that are original so I am looking for advice on what I can use to replace the original ones

[dwcsr]

Call RPM Motor sports
1-888-223-1864

They deal in a lot of old and odd used parts

looks like you need both pieces. The frame mount and the shackle

[73kay]

Parting out my 50 3/4 ton Let me know what you need and I can help you out.

[1953]

Just the rear hanger brackets and shackles would be nice

[1953]

Hey bud just need the rear leaf hanger brackets possibly the hangers as well if we can work somthing out that would be cool

[1953]

Hey bud just need the rear leaf hanger brackets possibly the hangers as well if we can work somthing out that would be cool

[1953]

Hey bud just need the rear leaf hanger brackets possibly the hangers as well if we can work somthing out that would be cool

[1953]

Hey guys wondering what options I have in what type of rear end I could put in my stock 1953 Chevy 3/4 ton I'm looking for something for a better ratio and better Bolt other than the 8- Bolt have on there now I have the 216 engine and stock manual transmission I also want to convert the front from 8 bolt to either A6 Bolt or a 5 Bolt please chime in any information helps

[Foot Stomper]

An early 80's Chevy 1/2 ton 2 WD differential is only one inch wider than stock but gives you a higher gear ratio. It also will accept the 6 bolt axles. A simple 1/2 inch notch in the spring perch will make for any easy install.

[1953]

Ok so early 80's 1/2 ton with spring perch notch sounds about what I was thinking, so will my drive shaft have to be modified in any way?

[Foot Stomper]

Originally Posted by 1953

Ok so early 80's 1/2 ton with spring perch notch sounds about what I was thinking, so will my drive shaft have to be modified in any way?

Dad didn't have to when he did the '59 years ago. Best to do some measuring though to be safe.

[1953]

Forsure better safe then sorry lol b it I appreciate the info this is my first classic Chevy build and kinda learning as I go appreciate it forsure

[whitedog76]

Why are you wanting to go to a different bolt pattern?

A common swap for the 3600 trucks is the GM 14 bolt. you'll need the 63" one, or use dually hubs or your hubs on a 67" axle.

[1953]

Actually I want a different bolt pattern so I can fit better rims and I want to do disc brakes all around, I also want to do a slight drop on the truck as well I want to keep the truck mostly original, I would like a better ratio for highway purposes aswell

[Foot Stomper]

Originally Posted by Foot Stomper

An early 80's Chevy 1/2 ton 2 WD differential is only one inch wider than stock but gives you a higher gear ratio. It also will accept the 6 bolt axles. A simple 1/2 inch notch in the spring perch will make for any easy install.

My sincere apologies to the group, OP and anyone reading this thread as I have made a bad mistake.

My advice was misguided as I was thinking 55.1 to 59 and NOT any application for the 53 as the OP had clearly stated so please accept my apology.

I have no advice to offer as a solution for a possible rear axle swap.

[yossarian19]

Are you wanting to keep it heavy duty / going to haul or tow with it?

[1953]

No heavy hauling want a better driver want to lower it a few inches aswell and put disc brakes on it and keep all original 3 on a tree tranny and 216 engine mostly after disc brakes and 6 lug or 5 lug

[1953]

I still cannot find replacements for my spring mounts/ hangers for my 53 chevy 3/4 ton so does anyone have another solution cause apparently finding original mounts is pretty much out of the question I'm open to new rear suspension options would like to lower the truck anyways.

[yossarian19]

What front end are you going with?

[whitedog76]

I figured you were going for disc brakes.

Hollister makes a decent kit. Also Toms Classics (Auto-City from Isanti, MN) has an Ebay store that sells a similar kit for 8 lug trucks.

https://www.hollisterroad.com/prodde...d=47-59SRWDISC

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1955-1956-19...BSzy2r&vxp=mtr

So, You probably already know that the 3100 frontend is basically a direct bolt on. Make sure you get ALL the steering components from your donor, including the pitman arm.

For 6 lug rearends. The 55-59 trucks are a good place to look also. Since you're going for disc brake, the 03-2012 Chevy Colorado is a good place to look too. They were mostly drum brake, but there's kits out for them too. Nissan Frontier and Toyota trucks are also a good place to look. Nissan and Toyota went to 5 lug at some point, not for sure when though.

[whitedog76]

I've been following your other posts. I have a 54 that I'm looking to do something similar to.

Late model Ford Ranger mounts and shackles look like a good option.


http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/hanger...r-ford-hangers

http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/hanger...le-hanger-kits

Also Ranger Leaf springs may fit the bill for ride height and comfort.

http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index....oducts_id=7715

If you're going lower Chevy Colorado may be the ticket.

http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index....oducts_id=7712

I don't know if the OEM springs will work with late model mounts & shackles. Probably not, since they use solid bushings. If so, it may be as simple as pressing in a new bushing and installing a spacer since the late model springs are 2.5" vs. 2"

[PDW HOTRODS]

What trans are you going to run? Stock 1953 has a 1 pc driveline and rear end. You need 1955 or newer trans and an open driveline to use a newer rear end.

[1953]

Ok yeah man I've looked and looked for original ones but that isn't going to happen lol but what about year Ford ranger ones would work you think ?

[Second Series]

I tried a 3.55:1 from an '88 ford, but had to start in 1st gear(granny). One axle was bent anyway, so I found a 3.73:1 from an '86 suburban that allows me to start in 2nd unless I'm starting uphill. I have four on the floor, you have 3 on the tree, so no compound low, something to think about. I had the driveshaft modified each time, no big deal. This is 8 lug on my truck and it works fine, the tires fit.

[1953]

This is exactly what I want, I want to keep the motor and 3 speed all the same all's I want is different bolt patterns and no drum brakes, I was hoping there was a solution to this that doesn't require a front end swap I'm ok with swapping rear end to get rid of the heavy duty 8 lug pattern