Thread: '49 Chevy pickup rear end - What fits?

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I will be helping a buddy put a modern drive train in his '49 Chevy 1/2 ton. He is probably going to stay with a leaf spring setup in the rear. What rear ends fit these trucks width wise? I've heard '55-'64 Chevys will as well as some Camaros. What about an S10 rear end from a 4.3L truck? Where can I get information to find this out? Who has a truck like this and what rear end is in it? Who has done a truck and what rear end did you use. By the way he is going to put either a TCI, Heidt or Fatman front end under it.
Thanks,
Brian

Why not just put a 9" Ford in it??? Currie and Moser, along with other companies, will build one any width you want.... All that money on the good IFS, no reason to cut corners on the rear and settle for a junkyard piece. JMO

I am just doing what he wants done. It's not my truck. I agree with you but he is paying the bill and this is what he wants to do. So any help anyone can give me will be appreciated.

s10 is too narrow, a 4x4 s10/blazer rearend may work because they are wider. but here's a link to give ya an idea what may work, other then this the next best thing is take a tape measure & measure whatsa got & head for the boneyard...joe

http://www.chevytrucks.org/tech/ifs&rearend.htm

I have a Ford 9" in my '51. It came out of a Torino, but I'm not sure of the year. With 15 X 7 wheels and 4.5" of backspacing, the 255-70 tires are a perfect fit. Had to grind off the shock mounts and spring perches, but it's bulletproof in a light pickup like these. The only drawback to the Ford for GM guys is the bolt circle, but if you're going with a new front end, you can specify 5 on 4 1/2 up there too (assuming your buying new wheels).

http://www.teufert.net/other/rear%20...dimensions.htm