Good axle for 55 truck - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jimig1 · 07-08-2011, 03:25 PM

I need some help I think my head is going to explode. I'm looking for an axle for my truck. Looking for something that is within a few hours of me that has a 5x4.75 bolt pattern posi and 3.73 gears and preferably has disc brakes (or that can be converted to) I know that the 2nd gen Camaro have the correct bolt pattern and width but I have not been able to find one yet. I have a lead on a ford 9 inch that is the correct width but does not have the right bolt pattern. I don't know what to do.

72Mountaineer · 07-08-2011, 07:24 PM

70-81 Camaro should be much easier to find. If you want disc brakes, look for an 82-up Camaro. Very few of the 2nd gens had disc brakes, and they weren't very good in the e-brake dept., but can be converted. Also, the 82-up ones are a tad wider.

jimig1 · 07-10-2011, 01:18 AM

What is the minimum width that I can get away with not having to modify the bed sides?

oletrux · 07-11-2011, 04:41 PM

I run a '79 Firebird 3:73 posi on my '55TF with 10" tires (255/75/R15) on 8" wheels with no problem....I'm not sure of the measurement, but it seems to me it's about 56", measured from the wheel mounting surfaces on the discs. You might go to a salvage yard and check first......
Whatever you end up getting, be sure to get the emergency brake hardware!! New calipers won't have it, and those levers and springs are hard to find.

dwcsr · 07-11-2011, 06:37 PM

try here
http://www.carnut.com/specs/rear.html
some will have disc brakes

Layedoutsonoma91 · 07-11-2011, 08:04 PM

I bought a 4x4 98+ blazer rear end with disc brakes, i think its a 3.43 ratio tho,

oletrux · 07-11-2011, 08:19 PM

3:43 works! Hope it turns out well for you.
Ed.

07-08-2011, 03:25 PM	#1
jimig1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Elk River, MN Posts: 614	Good axle for 55 truck I need some help I think my head is going to explode. I'm looking for an axle for my truck. Looking for something that is within a few hours of me that has a 5x4.75 bolt pattern posi and 3.73 gears and preferably has disc brakes (or that can be converted to) I know that the 2nd gen Camaro have the correct bolt pattern and width but I have not been able to find one yet. I have a lead on a ford 9 inch that is the correct width but does not have the right bolt pattern. I don't know what to do. __________________ 55 2nd series Chevy Pickup 2019 Chevy Equinox(Daily driver) 2011 Chevy Malibu (Wife's car) MSRA Member I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman, "Where's the self-help section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose. -George Carlin

07-08-2011, 07:24 PM	#2
72Mountaineer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Where Mountaineers are free Posts: 406	Re: Good axle for 55 truck 70-81 Camaro should be much easier to find. If you want disc brakes, look for an 82-up Camaro. Very few of the 2nd gens had disc brakes, and they weren't very good in the e-brake dept., but can be converted. Also, the 82-up ones are a tad wider.

07-10-2011, 01:18 AM	#3
jimig1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Elk River, MN Posts: 614	Re: Good axle for 55 truck What is the minimum width that I can get away with not having to modify the bed sides? __________________ 55 2nd series Chevy Pickup 2019 Chevy Equinox(Daily driver) 2011 Chevy Malibu (Wife's car) MSRA Member I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman, "Where's the self-help section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose. -George Carlin

07-11-2011, 04:41 PM	#4
oletrux Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Eastern Kansas Posts: 30	Re: Good axle for 55 truck I run a '79 Firebird 3:73 posi on my '55TF with 10" tires (255/75/R15) on 8" wheels with no problem....I'm not sure of the measurement, but it seems to me it's about 56", measured from the wheel mounting surfaces on the discs. You might go to a salvage yard and check first...... Whatever you end up getting, be sure to get the emergency brake hardware!! New calipers won't have it, and those levers and springs are hard to find.

07-11-2011, 06:37 PM	#5
dwcsr Hollister Road Co. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 6,131	Re: Good axle for 55 truck try here http://www.carnut.com/specs/rear.html some will have disc brakes

07-11-2011, 08:04 PM	#6
Layedoutsonoma91 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 290	Re: Good axle for 55 truck I bought a 4x4 98+ blazer rear end with disc brakes, i think its a 3.43 ratio tho,

07-11-2011, 08:19 PM	#7
oletrux Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Eastern Kansas Posts: 30	Re: Good axle for 55 truck 3:43 works! Hope it turns out well for you. Ed.



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