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Open Driveline – Rear End Options

By admin | July 31st, 2009 | Category: Open Driveline | 4 comments

OPEN DRIVELINE CONVERSION

To convert your torque tube suspension to a open drive line. You will need the proper width rear-end. I am running a 1976 camaro 10 bolt. I am still working on this page.

These are some swaps that will work. Also confirmed by many 50chevy.com readers

* 55-57 Chevy Cars.
* 68-72 Nova
* 70-81 camaro

For 49-54 cars,you will need a rear-end that is 60″ wide. You can use the stock leaf springs but you will get a much better ride with a wide leaf spring kit. (2.5″ wide) If you run a rear-end that is 58.5 inches wide you will be able to run a 8″ wide rim (3 3/4″ backspacing)in the rear.

Wide Rear Leaf Spring Kits:
Chassis Engineering
Posies
Walton Fabrication

Parallel 4-link:
Total Cost Involved

Air Spring 4-Link:
Total Cost Involved

Complete Rear Ends:
Total Cost Involved

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4 comments
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  1. Altered 49 coupe January 25th, 2010 5:41 pm :

    I used the rear end from a Olds Bravada in my 49 upgrade. Its the same as a 4 wheel drive S-10 blazer. The 2 wheel blazer is too narrow.

    Its installed and working great.

  2. dale February 2nd, 2010 1:48 pm :

    I used a rear out of a 79 camaro. and spring perches from a jeep. most stock hardware. some welding. thinking its the weakest part of my drive line, its setting on original springs. and mounts. runs well so far. and running disc brake conversion that is a sweet upgrade. 85 caddy calippers and roters.

  3. admin February 2nd, 2010 1:52 pm :

    Thanks for sharing. I also ran the stock springs with the 76 camaro rear in mine. The rear end has alot of play, side to side. I upgraded to a chassis engineering leaf spring kit and that really helped stiffen up the rear end.

  4. whiskey1954 February 25th, 2010 8:40 pm :

    I used a set of 2′ wide leafs ( as on the tri-5s ) with a 4 wheel drive rear out of s-10 These spring sets are offered by Chevies of the 40’s and are replacements to the narrower torque tube leafs. they are also offered as a 2′ lowering leaf spring that install into the original hangers I do have a v-8 automatic that is stock in a 51 chevy business cpe The ride was definitely improved and I am well satisfied with the upgrade

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