Hey guys I have a 50 Chevy with the stock 216 that I'm trying to get a little more highway speed out of. Found a great deal on 54 Chevy power glide rearend. Will this bolt up and give me the gearing I'm looking for?
Yes. It would be easier to only swap out the torque-tube/third member, than the entire rear end, but you'd get the better Bendix brakes with the complete rear end swap, over the Huck style your car currently has. You'd still have the Huck's up front, so swap out to Bendix or discs there also, otherwise just keep the Huck's front and rear. 54 Powerglide will be 3.55:1 the stick shift 3.70 for 53-54. 49-52 4.11 for the manuals and 3.55 for the Glides. I am Butch/56sedandelivery.
TJR, I have a stock, strong 216, with the exception of Fenton headers, in my 50 fleetline. I also have acquired a 54 PG rearend. With the hills here in KY, I have to reconsider the 355 Pg rear as a viable option behind the 216. If I were to keep the babbit pounder I would look for the 370. But the h***le and cost of fixing the leaking rope sealed rear main has prompted me to get a 55 235, for future use, and use the 355's. Up in Illinois a 216/355 works well. Here, and in Virginia, I am not too sure.
Thanks for all the info guys I really appreciate it. A 235 or 261 swap is in the near future so as long as the 54 rear width is compatible with my 50 I think I'll go ahead and buy it. He only wants $200 for everything under the 54 minus frame and engine.
Get the front brakes too if they're available. Everything from the spindle out will be necessary to convert you Huck brakes to Bendix including attachment bolts and spacers.
I get the brakes, suspension, trans, and rear for the said price. Guy pulled everything of and put a mustang 2 sub frame under it. So I'll be switching it all over to mine this fall.
Get the steering box and column too if you can. Has a roller bearing instead of a bushing on the pitman shaft as well as a slower ratio that makes it steer easier. Oh and self cancelling turn signals.
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