New Rearend

[Jpaulstra]

Using my stock 1954 housing, can I install a later third member, eliminating the torque tube? I'm running the stock 235 w/4 speed tranny. Not ready for the, "S-10 Swap" yet. Thanks, Jim

[Wrenchbender Ret]

Yes. You can put in the center section from a 55-62.

[sweet70beast]

Actually you can't. If you look at where the axle mounts to the spring you will see a swivel joint between the housing and the spring. These joints are so the axle can pivot in conjunction with the torque tube. On the open drive type axles this pivot motion if taken up with the u-joints. If you are wanting to loose the torque tube you will have to swap axles.
I have never tried this type of swap but I think that the extra u-joints plus the pivot under the axle housing would cause to much movement and cause problems with ride quality or wear.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

Originally Posted by sweet70beast

Actually you can't. If you look at where the axle mounts to the spring you will see a swivel joint between the housing and the spring. These joints are so the axle can pivot in conjunction with the torque tube. On the open drive type axles this pivot motion if taken up with the u-joints. If you are wanting to loose the torque tube you will have to swap axles.
I have never tried this type of swap but I think that the extra u-joints plus the pivot under the axle housing would cause to much movement and cause problems with ride quality or wear.

He's right. I left it out. You can set the pinion angle & weld the pivot up.

[dcmalone]

Doing the same thing on my Dad's '51. Found a 1960 third member in a junkyard that was very well sealed and in perfect shape on the inside. Welding of the pivot is going to have to be done and he's fabbing some brackets for the back of the axle for good measure. Good luck with the project.