55 2nd serie GMC - Page 4 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**JML55** · 03-12-2009, 09:40 PM

Not doing to much this past couple a weeks. Next is the rear diff work i will be replacing the axle bearings, seals and finish welding the four link brackets. I have been trying to ID this diff for a while now but i still have no idea what it came out off. It came with the truck when i purchased it so i'm trying to make it work for my build. It has 2.73 gears in it, date code is H268 which should be Aug 26 1968. How are those gears going to work out with the 5.3 and 4l60e??

b00sted · 03-13-2009, 07:56 AM

That rearend looks very wide... How wide is it from backing plate to backing plate?

The 5.3 and 4l60e will like a 3:73 allot better... IMO it is way to high of a gear...

bensimmons_05 · 03-13-2009, 08:33 AM

Ive definately never seen a diff. cover like that. Looks like you could paint the top brown.. put some googly eyes and a mouth on it, and your differential is turned into a dude with a chilli bowl!

1-ton of fun · 03-13-2009, 12:37 PM

it is an 8.2" gm rear. not too strong, but could be ok, depending on your hp expectations.

OrrieG · 03-13-2009, 12:49 PM

2.73 with od trans is great for cruising but you will spend a lot of time in 2nd and 3rd in town. Nothing off the line. My 64 Chevelle has 3.08, I upgraded to a TH350 from PG to get lower first gear and its still a dog in town. 3.73 with OD trans works well.

**JML55** · 03-13-2009, 05:56 PM

Thanks for the info guys, i'm running stock 5.3 vortec /4l60E. I'm realy not building a race car here, i just want a nice highway cruiser easy on gas. i live out of town and drive 60 miles every day to go to work.

b00sted · 03-13-2009, 08:23 PM

then you will want the 3:73.. If you keep the stockers you are going to have to shove your foot through the floorboard to pass someon..

Also something to keep in mind is that the weight of the vehicle plays a roll in gear ratio's along with HP...

A lighter vehicle needs less gear... Also it has always been a rule for performace minded vehicles that 2900 lbs is max weight of a car with a glide...

**JML55** · 04-19-2009, 12:14 AM

Here the latest work on engine and tranny mounts.
A few months back I had the engine set up with late model mounts with clamp shell type bracket but i didn't like the way the engine sat. It was too low I had issues with tie rod ends touching the pan, p/steering pulley touching the steering box, so i decided to start all over. Fabricated the engine bracket as per the schematic i got from LS tech, bought new early style energy suspension mounts and solid frame bracket for early camaro.
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I'm much happier with this set up now. Looks a lot more professional and it raised the engine about 3/4". I now have good clearance with the steering box and the tie rod ends.
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**JML55** · 04-19-2009, 12:20 AM

Here the tranny crossmember. I made 1 1/2" spacer to be able to have about 4 degres of tilt on the engine.
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Energy suspension mount here also, the factory rubber mount was way too flexible.
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71'tahoe · 04-19-2009, 01:38 AM

I like those mounts better also You say you got alot of your info from LSTECH.COM? I am a member on LS1TECH.com....just curious of they were the same site...Trucks is looking good!

**JML55** · 04-19-2009, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71'tahoe

I like those mounts better also You say you got alot of your info from LSTECH.COM? I am a member on LS1TECH.com....just curious of they were the same site...Trucks is looking good!

Yes, I'm a member there also. Just a typo.

northerngmc · 04-28-2009, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JML55

Ha Ha !!!! These next pictures were taken Nov 07, my place, there is now twice has much snow.

I install the panard bar as per the instruction that came with the kit. My only concern is that the diff bracket is very close to the floor board. I may not be able to lower the suspension as much as i would like if i keep the original floor board.

Real nice truck, but I have to ask about the tractor with the loader, is that a W6?

northerngmc · 04-28-2009, 11:56 PM

Picture did not come with the reply....

**JML55** · 04-29-2009, 07:01 AM

1957 international 650, diesel. Looks like W6 but a little younger.

**JML55** · 05-03-2009, 11:19 PM

Here is the latest, working on the tailgate linkage kit I got from Mar-K last week. You got to be very precise in all the measurements and cuts. Tolerances are very tight but it was very simple to install.
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Last picture is the new diff i got today, 2005 Blazer 4x4 discs brake and 3:73 gears. It a little narrow for my liking but i may use a different offset for the back.
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GRIMSS · 05-04-2009, 12:14 AM

Your project is coming around nice. I need to find one of those rear ends.

ChuckDriver · 05-04-2009, 07:30 AM

What's the width of the 4X4 rear? Thanks!

GRIMSS · 05-04-2009, 07:34 AM

The blazer 4x4's are 59" hub to hub.

ChuckDriver · 05-04-2009, 03:09 PM

Got it! Thanks GRIMSS!!

**JML55** · 05-04-2009, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GRIMSS

Your project is coming around nice. I need to find one of those rear ends.

I was actually looking for a ZR2 rear diff. I read somewhere that there even wider then the regular 4x4 . Do anyone know how wide is a ZR2 diff.

GRIMSS · 05-04-2009, 07:59 PM

I have 63" writen down for the ZR2 but don't know where I found it.

**JML55** · 05-18-2009, 03:16 PM

What wheel should i use? front or rear one

**JML55** · 05-18-2009, 03:47 PM

Here is the new rear end muck up. I don't like where the caliper sit, it touch's the edge of the box side when the suspension is all the way down.

britnjc · 05-18-2009, 03:59 PM

I would go with an old camaro rally wheel or something along those line. I just like the look of the old stock steelies

57ToyBox · 05-18-2009, 06:41 PM

Nice progress JML
The calipers look good.
I like the front wheels, but then I like anything that shines
BTW nice shop

03-12-2009, 09:40 PM	#76
JML55 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Fannystelle, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 853	Re: 55 2nd serie GMC Not doing to much this past couple a weeks. Next is the rear diff work i will be replacing the axle bearings, seals and finish welding the four link brackets. I have been trying to ID this diff for a while now but i still have no idea what it came out off. It came with the truck when i purchased it so i'm trying to make it work for my build. It has 2.73 gears in it, date code is H268 which should be Aug 26 1968. How are those gears going to work out with the 5.3 and 4l60e?? Attached Images __________________ Jean-Marc Lacasse 57 GMC 55 GMC 55 Belair 99 S10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=316140 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=806011

03-13-2009, 07:56 AM	#77
b00sted Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Midland GA Posts: 332	Re: 55 2nd serie GMC That rearend looks very wide... How wide is it from backing plate to backing plate? The 5.3 and 4l60e will like a 3:73 allot better... IMO it is way to high of a gear... __________________ 1949 Chevy 408 CID stroker 6.0l with a few add ons, 4l80E, 4 Wheel Disk Brakes and a set of GT35 going on soon.

03-13-2009, 08:33 AM	#78
bensimmons_05 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Jacksonville, AL Posts: 479	Re: 55 2nd serie GMC Ive definately never seen a diff. cover like that. Looks like you could paint the top brown.. put some googly eyes and a mouth on it, and your differential is turned into a dude with a chilli bowl! __________________ ---Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project --- ---The shop's live video feed--- <<< See what I'm up to!

03-13-2009, 12:37 PM	#79
1-ton of fun polishing a turd Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: houston, tx Posts: 674	Re: 55 2nd serie GMC it is an 8.2" gm rear. not too strong, but could be ok, depending on your hp expectations. Attached Images __________________ 59 chevy apache 31 4x4 - my project: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=8668512 53 buick special - straight 8 sled - blow through turbo 47 gmc - flatbed hot rod build 99 ford econoline e350 - 4x4 converted family roadtrip/overlanding rig AKA 'Monstervan' AKA 'Daddy-Van'

03-13-2009, 12:49 PM	#80
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: 55 2nd serie GMC 2.73 with od trans is great for cruising but you will spend a lot of time in 2nd and 3rd in town. Nothing off the line. My 64 Chevelle has 3.08, I upgraded to a TH350 from PG to get lower first gear and its still a dog in town. 3.73 with OD trans works well. __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

03-13-2009, 05:56 PM	#81
JML55 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Fannystelle, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 853	Re: 55 2nd serie GMC Thanks for the info guys, i'm running stock 5.3 vortec /4l60E. I'm realy not building a race car here, i just want a nice highway cruiser easy on gas. i live out of town and drive 60 miles every day to go to work. __________________ Jean-Marc Lacasse 57 GMC 55 GMC 55 Belair 99 S10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=316140 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=806011

03-13-2009, 08:23 PM	#82
b00sted Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Midland GA Posts: 332	Re: 55 2nd serie GMC then you will want the 3:73.. If you keep the stockers you are going to have to shove your foot through the floorboard to pass someon.. Also something to keep in mind is that the weight of the vehicle plays a roll in gear ratio's along with HP... A lighter vehicle needs less gear... Also it has always been a rule for performace minded vehicles that 2900 lbs is max weight of a car with a glide... __________________ 1949 Chevy 408 CID stroker 6.0l with a few add ons, 4l80E, 4 Wheel Disk Brakes and a set of GT35 going on soon.

04-19-2009, 12:14 AM	#83
JML55 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Fannystelle, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 853	Re: 55 2nd serie GMC Here the latest work on engine and tranny mounts. A few months back I had the engine set up with late model mounts with clamp shell type bracket but i didn't like the way the engine sat. It was too low I had issues with tie rod ends touching the pan, p/steering pulley touching the steering box, so i decided to start all over. Fabricated the engine bracket as per the schematic i got from LS tech, bought new early style energy suspension mounts and solid frame bracket for early camaro. I'm much happier with this set up now. Looks a lot more professional and it raised the engine about 3/4". I now have good clearance with the steering box and the tie rod ends. __________________ Jean-Marc Lacasse 57 GMC 55 GMC 55 Belair 99 S10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=316140 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=806011

04-19-2009, 12:20 AM	#84
JML55 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Fannystelle, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 853	Re: 55 2nd serie GMC Here the tranny crossmember. I made 1 1/2" spacer to be able to have about 4 degres of tilt on the engine. Energy suspension mount here also, the factory rubber mount was way too flexible. __________________ Jean-Marc Lacasse 57 GMC 55 GMC 55 Belair 99 S10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=316140 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=806011

04-19-2009, 01:38 AM	#85
71'tahoe Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: lynchburg ohio Posts: 736	Re: 55 2nd serie GMC I like those mounts better also You say you got alot of your info from LSTECH.COM? I am a member on LS1TECH.com....just curious of they were the same site...Trucks is looking good!

04-28-2009, 11:56 PM	#88
northerngmc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Whitehorse YK Canada Posts: 2,651	Re: 55 2nd serie GMC Picture did not come with the reply.... __________________ Blaine 59 GMC 9314 a.k.a. Whoopee 68 C20 50th Anniversary a.k.a. The Rat http://www.flickr.com/photos/northerngmc/ http://www.members.tripod.com/P-wee/index_032.htm 1.61803 is one H of a lot better than 3.14159, no really it is!

04-29-2009, 07:01 AM	#89
JML55 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Fannystelle, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 853	Re: 55 2nd serie GMC 1957 international 650, diesel. Looks like W6 but a little younger. __________________ Jean-Marc Lacasse 57 GMC 55 GMC 55 Belair 99 S10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=316140 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=806011

05-03-2009, 11:19 PM	#90
JML55 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Fannystelle, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 853	Re: 55 2nd serie GMC Here is the latest, working on the tailgate linkage kit I got from Mar-K last week. You got to be very precise in all the measurements and cuts. Tolerances are very tight but it was very simple to install. Last picture is the new diff i got today, 2005 Blazer 4x4 discs brake and 3:73 gears. It a little narrow for my liking but i may use a different offset for the back. __________________ Jean-Marc Lacasse 57 GMC 55 GMC 55 Belair 99 S10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=316140 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=806011

05-04-2009, 12:14 AM	#91
GRIMSS --------------- Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Central Missouri Posts: 1,791	Re: 55 2nd serie GMC Your project is coming around nice. I need to find one of those rear ends. __________________ 2001 GMC SIERRA 1956 Chevy Panel *Build Page* with a Scott's Hotrods IFS 1953 Chevy trucks *Project Dime Time* 1968 Camaro 1968 Volksrod "NOBACK" 55-59 one piece window *Video* 55-59 one piece window *template files* Jared

05-04-2009, 07:30 AM	#92
ChuckDriver A320 Pilot/USAF Retired Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 2,629	Re: 55 2nd serie GMC What's the width of the 4X4 rear? Thanks! __________________ JJ My 1957 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=334552 http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22037 Instagram - Chuckdriver57



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05-04-2009, 07:34 AM	#93
GRIMSS --------------- Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Central Missouri Posts: 1,791	Re: 55 2nd serie GMC The blazer 4x4's are 59" hub to hub. __________________ 2001 GMC SIERRA 1956 Chevy Panel *Build Page* with a Scott's Hotrods IFS 1953 Chevy trucks *Project Dime Time* 1968 Camaro 1968 Volksrod "NOBACK" 55-59 one piece window *Video* 55-59 one piece window *template files* Jared

05-04-2009, 03:09 PM	#94
ChuckDriver A320 Pilot/USAF Retired Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 2,629	Re: 55 2nd serie GMC Got it! Thanks GRIMSS!! __________________ JJ My 1957 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=334552 http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22037 Instagram - Chuckdriver57

05-04-2009, 07:59 PM	#96
GRIMSS --------------- Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Central Missouri Posts: 1,791	Re: 55 2nd serie GMC I have 63" writen down for the ZR2 but don't know where I found it. __________________ 2001 GMC SIERRA 1956 Chevy Panel *Build Page* with a Scott's Hotrods IFS 1953 Chevy trucks *Project Dime Time* 1968 Camaro 1968 Volksrod "NOBACK" 55-59 one piece window *Video* 55-59 one piece window *template files* Jared

05-18-2009, 03:16 PM	#97
JML55 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Fannystelle, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 853	Re: 55 2nd serie GMC What wheel should i use? front or rear one Attached Images __________________ Jean-Marc Lacasse 57 GMC 55 GMC 55 Belair 99 S10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=316140 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=806011

05-18-2009, 03:47 PM	#98
JML55 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Fannystelle, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 853	Re: 55 2nd serie GMC Here is the new rear end muck up. I don't like where the caliper sit, it touch's the edge of the box side when the suspension is all the way down. Attached Images __________________ Jean-Marc Lacasse 57 GMC 55 GMC 55 Belair 99 S10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=316140 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=806011

05-18-2009, 03:59 PM	#99
britnjc Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Helena, Alabama Posts: 453	Re: 55 2nd serie GMC I would go with an old camaro rally wheel or something along those line. I just like the look of the old stock steelies

05-18-2009, 06:41 PM	#100
57ToyBox Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Callander Ont. Posts: 387	Re: 55 2nd serie GMC Nice progress JML The calipers look good. I like the front wheels, but then I like anything that shines BTW nice shop __________________ --Glenn-- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=345975 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=564403 Last edited by 57ToyBox; 05-18-2009 at 06:42 PM.

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