Thread: Rear end swap

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Can anybody out there tell me what year Chevy Nova rear end I would need to put in my '50 Ford? I have been told that all I have to do is move the spring saddles on the rear end. Also, what rear end ratio would be recommended for cruising along the highway. I have a 283 Chevy (stock) and a turbo 350 trans. The existing rear is a stock Ford with 4:11 ratio.
Any info would be appreciated!
WayCool

I'm gonna say 3.55

Thanks for the info...sounds like a good combo
WayCool

If you are primarily just cruizin' and depending on how tall your tires are, I would suggest 3.08. That was a very popular gear ratio in Chevys and your 283 should be able to push that '50 along just fine with that gear. It should keep your RPM down to a reasonable level. If you want more zip and are willing to spin the motor more, then try the 3.55s that Matt suggested.

If you want to keep your Ford all ford bolt pattern (4.5 bolt circle) an 8" Ford rear end is also a good choice.

Pat

THANKS MAN that night be even easier to do.WAY COOL.

thanks man i really appreciate the help its nice to know you have guys out there to offer some good sound advice. thanks way cool.

8 3/4 dodge is as strong or stronger then a 9" ford and has the same bolt pattern. Although Ford 9" are more readily available, I'd still look for a Dodge Posi Sure-Grip if you can find one. Dodge 8 3/4 gears for good highway around 3:35.1

Changing from Ford to Chev you'll need to change your bolt pattern on your wheels. Do you really need to use a Chev rear-end with the added cost of changing your wheels ?

Thanks - I'll look into all choices - see what's available based on the smallest amount of alterations required.
WayCool

Do a search on here for "8.8 Explorer rear". If the width will work, that's the way to go.

I have the same problem,I am woking on a 51 ford and want to swap the stock 4:11 with a compatible rear with out makining a lot of alterations Thanks chevtruck

Originally Posted by WayCool

Can anybody out there tell me what year Chevy Nova rear end I would need to put in my '50 Ford? I have been told that all I have to do is move the spring saddles on the rear end. Also, what rear end ratio would be recommended for cruising along the highway. I have a 283 Chevy (stock) and a turbo 350 trans. The existing rear is a stock Ford with 4:11 ratio.
Any info would be appreciated!
WayCool

I am working on a 51 and want to swap the stock 4:11 rear with a compatable rear that will install with a minimum of fabrication Any advise would be appreciated chevtruck

I'd go with the 8.8 Ford rear. A Mustang or Bronco should be close to the right width. Lots of ratios available for it, too.

You may want to consider leaving the rearend and going with a 700r4 overdrive trans instead of the TH-350. Your 283 would like the 4:11's coming off the line, and the overdrive gear would be great for cruising.

My 2 cents worth----I built a 27 T roadster with a 350/350 in it. It just didn't have tha punch that a car that light should have. I put a cam and a new 4 barrel in/on the 350 engine. ---better, but still 15 points short of awesome. Then I swapped out the rearend gears (they were 2.79:1 or 3.08:1)---nor sure which, for a set of 3.55:1 gears. GOOD LORD!!! WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!! It finally acted and felt like a hotrod. And the car still operated commendably at highway speeds.---Brian

Like Brian said ........

The 3:55's are a great all around set-up but work especially well on the street with lighter cars with a bit of torque as well. With 30" rear tires and 1:1 final drive the car will cruise 70 mph at 2,800 rpm. It turns out that for these types of cars with auto trans a perfromance converter is locking in right around there as well.

Kitz